A Close Call: Teen's Terror Plans Foiled in North Carolina

In a quiet town near Charlotte, a young man's dangerous plans were stopped just in time. Authorities say an 18-year-old, Christian Sturdivant, was arrested for plotting an attack on New Year's Eve. He allegedly wanted to target a grocery store and a fast-food joint, aiming to hurt as many people as possible.

A Year-Long Plot

Sturdivant had been planning this for about a year. He even kept notes and weapons hidden under his bed. The FBI found knives and hammers there, along with his written plans. These notes showed he wanted to harm "Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals." It's shocking to think someone so young could have such hate in their heart.

FBI Intervention

The FBI got involved after they noticed Sturdivant's online activity. He was talking to someone he thought was part of ISIS, but it was actually an undercover agent. He even pledged allegiance to the terrorist group. The FBI says he was "directly inspired" by ISIS and was working alone.

A History of Violent Thoughts

This wasn't the first time Sturdivant had troubling thoughts. Back in 2022, when he was just 14, he allegedly talked to an ISIS member online. They told him to dress in black and attack his neighbors with a hammer and knife. His grandfather stopped him that time, and he got some psychological help. But it seems that help wasn't enough.

Legal Consequences

The FBI tried to get Sturdivant committed for medical attention, but a judge said no. So, they arrested him on New Year's Eve instead. He's now facing serious charges and could spend 20 years in prison. It's a stark reminder that hate and violence can come from anywhere, even from someone you might least expect.