At a Glance
- 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant was arrested for a New Year’s Eve terror plot in North Carolina.
- The plan targeted a grocery store and a Burger King in Mint Hill, inspired by ISIS.
- FBI special agent James Barnacle said the attack was foiled.
- Why it matters: The foiled plot prevented a potential mass-casualty event.
An 18-year-old from Mint Hill, North Carolina, was taken into custody after FBI agents uncovered a New Year’s Eve terror plan inspired by ISIS. The plot called for attacks on a grocery store and a Burger King, and investigators found weapons and a note expressing a desire to die at the hands of police.
Who is Christian Sturdivant?
Christian Sturdivant, 18, works at Burger King in Mint Hill. He had previously come to FBI attention in 2022 when he tried to kill a neighbor with a hammer and knife but was stopped by his grandfather.
The Planned Attack
Investigators say Sturdivant spent a year planning the attack, reading ISIS material online and posting TikTok videos about the group.
- Hammers and knives hidden under his bed
- Tactical gloves and a Kevlar vest
- A handwritten note expressing a wish to die at the hands of police
Russ Ferguson noted:
> “It was a very well-planned, thoughtful attack that he had planned, and that was fortunately foiled. Here he was preparing for jihad, and innocent people were going to die, and we were very, very fortunate they did not.”
Investigation and Arrest
During a search warrant at Sturdivant’s home, officials found notes detailing the plan and materials intended for the attack. The FBI says the plot was foiled before it could be carried out.
Broader Context of Recent Terror Threats
| Date | Location | Alleged Plot | ISIS Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | Michigan | Halloween weekend attack | Yes |
| Dec 2023 | Los Angeles | New Year’s Eve bomb plot | No |
| Jan 2024 | North Carolina | New Year’s Eve grocery & Burger King attack | Yes |
The agency’s press conference emphasized that Sturdivant was working alone. The FBI has also foiled other ISIS-linked plots in Michigan and a separate far-left plot in Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested for a New Year’s Eve terror plot in North Carolina.
- The plan targeted a grocery store and a Burger King, with weapons hidden at his home.
- The FBI says the attack was foiled, preventing a potential mass casualty event.
The arrest underscores the ongoing vigilance of federal agencies against domestic terror threats.
