In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced it successfully disrupted a planned attack on a grocery store in North Carolina, which was scheduled for New Year's Eve. The agency reported this development on Friday, January 2.
Teenager Arrested on Terror Charges
Federal agents took Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old, into custody on Wednesday. He faces a serious federal charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Sturdivant made his initial court appearance before US District Judge Susan Rodriguez on Friday morning and will remain in custody. A detention hearing is set for January 7.
ISIS Inspiration and Pledge of Loyalty
According to officials, the alleged plot was driven by inspiration from the extremist group Islamic State (ISIS). An FBI affidavit filed in court states that Sturdivant had pledged loyalty (bay'ah) to ISIS. The investigation into his activities began last month after an online account linked to him was identified posting content in support of the terrorist organization on social media platforms.
Prior FBI Contact and Radicalization History
The court documents reveal that this was not the first time Sturdivant had come to the attention of authorities. He was previously investigated by the FBI in January 2022 when he was still a minor. At that time, investigators discovered he had been in communication with a known ISIS member based in Europe. During those earlier contacts, he allegedly received instructions to dress in all black and carry out attacks using a hammer.
The FBI's investigation remains active and ongoing. Agents are working to assess the full scope of the thwarted plot and determine if any other individuals were involved or if there are additional related threats to public safety.
