MINT HILL, NC – An 18-year-old North Carolina man was arrested on New Year’s Eve just hours before he planned to carry out an ISIS-inspired knife and hammer attack targeting shoppers at a grocery store, with FBI agents discovering detailed plans to kill up to 21 people.
Christian Sturdivant of Mint Hill, near Charlotte, faces federal charges for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after authorities say he spent approximately one year planning the holiday massacre.
According to court documents, Sturdivant intended to attack a grocery store and fast food restaurant in Mint Hill, specifically targeting locations where he knew crowds would gather for holiday shopping. Handwritten notes recovered by investigators outlined his goals of injuring as many civilians as possible, with a target of “20-21 victims.”
Another note titled “Burger King Jihad” detailed a backup plan involving entering a bathroom to don a mask before carrying out violence. The notes indicated he wanted to target “Jews, Christians and LGBTQ individuals.”
FBI agents discovered knives and hammers hidden under his bed during their investigation.
The FBI had monitored Sturdivant since January 2022, when he was still a minor and began communicating with what he believed was an ISIS member online. The contact was actually an undercover NYPD officer. He later engaged with a second undercover FBI agent.
In December communications, Sturdivant told an undercover operative: “I’m a soldier of the state,” referring to ISIS. He later wrote: “I’m prepared for death.”
The attack was narrowly prevented when Sturdivant’s grandfather, a Christian minister who works at a grocery store, physically restrained him on New Year’s Eve as he prepared to leave the house “dressed in all black” to carry out the attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the interagency cooperation: “Thanks to our great partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives.”
Sturdivant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
