An 18-year-old from Mint Hill has been indicted by a Charlotte grand jury for allegedly trying to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization ISIS, as stated by U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson. The defendant, Christian Sturdivant, was charged following his arrest on New Year’s Eve of 2025 after the FBI thwarted his purported plan to attack a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant using knives and hammers.
Based on information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI began its investigation into Sturdivant when he communicated with an undercover agent online, whom he believed was an ISIS member. Desiring to “do jihad soon,” Sturdivant appeared to pledge his allegiance to ISIS, referring to himself as “a soldier of the state.” After executing a search warrant at his residence on December 29, 2025, authorities found alarming items, including handwritten documents detailing an attack plan, according to the indictment.
Two hammers and butcher knives were seized from Sturdivant’s bedroom alongside a list of potential targets, tactical gloves, and a vest, which are believed to have been intended for the planned assault. Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office highlighted the collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies in arresting Sturdivant before any lives were put in danger. Currently held in federal custody, the young man faces a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted…