The FBI said Friday (Jan. 2) that it had disrupted a plot to attack a North Carolina grocery store on New Year’s Eve, the AP reported. Christian Sturdivant, 18, was arrested Wednesday by federal agents and charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
Sturdivant appeared before U.S. District Judge Susan Rodriguez Friday morning and remained in custody pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 7.
The inspiration of ISIS and the pledge of loyalty
Officials said Sturdivant was inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group and pledged allegiance to the extremist organization. He was investigated last month after an account linked to him posted posts supporting IS on social media, according to an FBI affidavit.
Previous FBI contact
The affidavit revealed that Sturdivant was previously on the FBI’s radar in January 2022 when he was a minor. Authorities learned at the time that he had been in contact with an IS member in Europe and had been instructed to dress in all black and carry out attacks with a hammer.
An investigation is underway
The FBI continues to investigate the plot and is assessing whether any additional threats or associates are involved.
