The individual accused of planning a New Year’s Eve attack on a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in North Carolina worked at a Burger King and had knives and hammers concealed under his bed, despite his grandparents’ efforts to remove any potential weapons, prosecutors stated on Friday.
Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from Mint Hill—a suburb of Charlotte—was taken into custody and charged with trying to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, according to U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina.
During a press conference, Ferguson mentioned, “The grandfather attempted to secure the knife and the hammer, making sure Mr. Sturdivant didn’t have access to them. However, when the search warrant was executed, those items were discovered under the bed.” He added that the planned attack was specifically meant for Mint Hill and noted Sturdivant’s employment at Burger King.
Ferguson stated, “He was preparing for a jihad, and innocent people were going to die. It’s fortunate that they were not harmed.” Additionally, he revealed that Sturdivant’s notes included targets such as Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals.
James C. Barnacle Jr., the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Charlotte field office, revealed that Sturdivant first came to the FBI’s attention in January 2022 when he was still a minor.
Barnacle explained further, “Law enforcement found a blue hammer, a hammer with a wooden handle, and two butchers’ knives hidden under Sturdivant’s bed.” Prosecutors also mentioned a note titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” found during a December 29, 2025, search of his residence.
It appears that Sturdivant was in contact with an unidentified ISIS member abroad via social media, who had instructed him on how to carry out the attack. He reportedly dressed all in black and left his house with a hammer, but luckily, his family intervened before he could proceed. At that time, although he was referred for psychological care, no charges were filed.
Barnacle noted, “Christian Sturdivant pledged allegiance to ISIS and expressed intentions to kill Americans on New Year’s Eve.” He also mentioned that Sturdivant was scouting for a grocery store with high foot traffic since he knew there would be many people shopping.
The FBI agent added that there were two grocery stores in Mint Hill that Sturdivant was considering, as he aimed for one that would attract the most shoppers.
