The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that it foiled an alleged terrorist attack that would have occurred on New Year's Eve in North Carolina. The Department of Justice formally charged Christian Sturdivant, a U.S. citizen who turned 18 last month, with attempting to carry out a violent attack in support of the Islamic State group (ISIS). According to court documents unsealed Friday, Sturdivant planned to attack random people with a knife and a hammer, with potential targets including a grocery store or a Burger King restaurant. Authorities indicated that the young man sought to cause as many casualties as possible. Undercover Investigation Since 2022: The investigation against Sturdivant dates back to 2022, when he was still a minor. According to the prosecution, he began consuming ISIS propaganda online, visiting sites associated with the extremist group, and posting radical content on social media, especially TikTok. He later came into contact with someone he believed to be an ISIS member, but who was actually an undercover agent with the New York Police Department. Later, he also interacted with an undercover FBI agent, to whom he detailed his plans to commit a violent attack. “The fact that, throughout this extensive planning, he met with not one but two undercover agents should reassure the public,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Notes, Weapons, and Specific Targets: During a search of his home, investigators found a handwritten document titled “The New Year’s Attack,” in which Sturdivant described his intention to stab as many civilians as possible and mentioned a target of 20 to 21 victims. Notes containing calls to jihad were also found, along with a hammer and references to two attack plans, one of them called “Burger King Jihad,” with a grocery store as an alternative plan. In the writings,The young man expressed his desire for the “pure destruction of the United States and the West,” according to court documents.

Arrest and Federal Charges

Sturdivant was arrested on New Year's Eve, shortly after, according to authorities, he was about to leave his home dressed in black to carry out the attack. According to records, it was his grandfather who stopped him at that moment.

The defendant made his first appearance in federal court and faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The FBI indicated that it previously attempted to have him involuntarily committed due to the risk he posed, but a state judge denied that request.

“Thanks to our excellent partners for working with us and undoubtedly saving lives,” wrote FBI Director Kash Patel, referring to the case.

Authorities noted that the legal process is ongoing and that no information has been released regarding the defendant's legal defense.