Who is Christian Sturdivant? Inside the ISIS-inspired plot by a US teen to attack on New Year’s eve

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Christian Sturdivant, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, according to federal authorities.

“This successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement saved American lives from a horrific terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “The Department of Justice remains vigilant in pursuing ISIS sympathizers—anyone plotting such depraved acts will face the full force of the law.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said Sturdivant allegedly sought to become a “soldier” for ISIS and was in the final stages of planning a violent attack. “Thanks to swift coordination among our partners, this threat was neutralized before lives were lost,” Patel said, adding that supporters of terrorist groups “will be held accountable in our justice system.”

Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg said investigators recovered notes indicating the suspect intended to cause maximum harm. “As alleged, Sturdivant aspired to become a ‘martyr’ for ISIS and was preparing a mass-casualty attack intended to terrorize the nation,” he said.

According to court documents, the FBI’s Charlotte field office received information on December 18, 2025, that Sturdivant had posted multiple pro-ISIS messages on social media. Earlier that month, he allegedly shared an image featuring two figurines of Jesus accompanied by the text: “May Allah curse the cross worshipers,” language consistent with ISIS propaganda.

The criminal complaint alleges that on December 12, Sturdivant began communicating online with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as an ISIS supporter. During those exchanges, Sturdivant allegedly stated, “I will do jihad soon,” and declared himself a “soldier of the state,” a reference to ISIS.

On December 14, Sturdivant allegedly sent the undercover officer an image of two hammers and a knife—symbols commonly promoted in ISIS propaganda encouraging lone-wolf attacks in Western countries. He later identified a specific grocery store in North Carolina as a target and discussed plans to acquire a firearm to use in the attack.

Authorities say Sturdivant sent a voice recording on December 19 pledging bayat, or allegiance, to ISIS.

A search warrant executed at his residence on December 29 uncovered handwritten notes, including one titled “New Years Attack 2026.” The document listed tactical gear and weapons and outlined plans to stab as many civilians as possible, targeting up to 20 or 21 victims. A separate section labeled “martyrdom op” detailed an intent to attack responding police officers to die as a martyr.

Although a family member had attempted to secure weapons away from him, investigators recovered two butcher knives and two hammers hidden beneath Sturdivant’s bed, along with tactical gloves, a vest, and a list of potential targets. Officials said the weapons matched those shown in images previously sent to the undercover officer.

Sturdivant remains in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.