Summary
Federal authorities in the U.S. arrested Christian Sturdivant, an 18-year-old from Mint Hill, North Carolina, on charges of planning a terrorist attack inspired by ISIL. His targets were a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant, and he was arrested on New Year’s Eve. Sturdivant faces charges for trying to support a foreign terrorist group and could face up to 20 years in prison.
Key Facts
- Christian Sturdivant, aged 18, was arrested by federal authorities in North Carolina.
- He allegedly planned a terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve targeting a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant.
- He is charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIL, a foreign terrorist organization.
- Sturdivant made his first court appearance and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
- Authorities described Sturdivant as a "prolific social media user" who previously tried to contact ISIL online.
- Initial FBI interest arose in 2022 when Sturdivant was about 14 and attempted to contact ISIL.
- Before his arrest, Sturdivant allegedly contacted undercover officers and posted threatening messages online.
