US Charges 18-Year-Old With ISIS-Inspired Plot to Attack Grocery Store in North Carolina
US authorities charged an 18-year-old with plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on a North Carolina grocery store, citing online radicalisation and intercepted communications.
US authorities have charged an 18-year-old American citizen with attempting to carry out an ISIS-inspired “terrorist” attack in the state of North Carolina, the Justice Department said.
The suspect, identified as Christian Sturdivant, allegedly planned to attack a grocery store using a knife and a hammer. Prosecutors said he had previously warned that the United States would “pay a price” for retaliatory strikes against ISIS targets.
According to investigators, the probe into Sturdivant began in 2022, when he was still a minor. Authorities said he consumed ISIS-related propaganda online and accessed websites linked to the group.
US officials said Sturdivant later contacted someone he believed was an ISIS member, but who was in fact an undercover New York police officer. During their communications, he allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and spoke of plans to “carry out jihad soon,” according to US Attorney Ross Ferguson.
US law enforcement agencies have increasingly focused on online radicalisation, warning that extremist groups continue to use encrypted platforms and social media to recruit or inspire attacks, particularly among young individuals.
While ISIS has lost most of its territorial control, US officials say the group and its supporters remain capable of motivating lone-actor attacks abroad through propaganda and virtual networks.
The FBI said a handwritten document titled “New Year Attack” was found during a search of Sturdivant’s home, outlining plans to stab as many civilians as possible, with a target of “20 or 21” victims. Another note called for “jihad” and expressed a desire for the “complete destruction of America and the West,” court records show.
Investigators said Sturdyont was encouraged by the undercover officer to use a knife and hammer. Court documents state he was dressed entirely in black and preparing to leave home when his grandfather intervened and stopped him.
Authorities also cited messages in which Sturdyont said he was “ready to die” and intended to target “Christians” and LGBTQ individuals. Prosecutors said he had selected a code name for the planned attack so ISIS could later claim responsibility.
Officials said the arrest highlights the continuing threat posed by online extremist radicalisation and the importance of early intervention by families and law enforcement.
The case underscores US efforts to prevent lone-actor attacks before they occur, as authorities continue to monitor and disrupt ISIS-inspired plots across the country.
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