North Carolina Man Arrested for Alleged New Year’s Eve Attack Plot

A man in North Carolina has been taken into custody for allegedly planning to use knives and hammers to attack grocery stores and fast food chains on New Year’s Eve in support of ISIS. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The Justice Department, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, revealed that the criminal complaint was filed Wednesday and made public on Friday after Christian Sturdivant, who recently turned 18, appeared in federal court in Charlotte.

“May Allah curse the cross worshipers,” he reportedly posted on social media.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the situation, stating, “The successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a potential terrorist attack.” She emphasized the Department of Justice’s commitment to tackling threats posed by ISIS sympathizers.

FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that the agency, along with partners, prevented Sturdivant from allegedly carrying out a violent attack tied to ISIS.

The FBI became aware of Sturdivant’s posts supporting ISIS on December 18. In early December, he reportedly shared an image online showing two miniature figures of Jesus, accompanied by a message that echoed ISIS’s extremist sentiments against non-believers.

On December 12, Sturdivant allegedly began chatting with an undercover officer, whom he assumed to be an ISIS member. He expressed intentions of going on a “holy war” and declared himself a “soldier” of ISIS. Additionally, he shared images of weapons, like hammers and a knife, and detailed a plan to rob a grocery store in North Carolina.

He even mentioned wanting to purchase a firearm to use alongside a knife during the planned attack. Officials also allege he sent an audio recording pledging his allegiance to ISIS.

On December 29, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sturdivant’s home, discovering handwritten documents that included a plan titled “New Year’s Attack 2026.” The contents of these documents hinted at a goal to stab numerous civilians and outlined tactical gear and weapons intended for the attack.

Furthermore, it was noted that the documents contained a plan dubbed “Operation Martyrdom,” which outlined an attack on responding police officers following the initial assault.

Allegedly, Sturdivant lived with a relative who attempted to prevent him from executing his violent plans. However, authorities reportedly found weapons including a blue hammer and butcher knives hidden in his bedroom.

Sturdivant remains in federal custody and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted. His current status is that he is held in a local jail.