Overview
- Christian Sturdivant, 18, is in federal custody after a Dec. 31 arrest and a first court appearance, charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
- Prosecutors say he planned low-tech attacks with knives and hammers at a Mint Hill grocery store and a fast-food restaurant on New Year’s Eve.
- Agents seized knives, hammers, target lists, and notes titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” which described stabbing as many civilians as possible and an “operation of martyrdom” against responding police.
- Investigators say Sturdivant pledged allegiance to ISIS in a voice message, told an undercover he would “do jihad,” and scoped locations to hit crowded venues; targets included Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ people.
- The FBI cites prior 2022 concerns and a December return to pro-ISIS social posts as triggers for the renewed probe, with officials noting the case remains under investigation and carries a potential 20-year sentence if convicted.