US Attorney on North Carolina Terror Charges: Attack Could Happen at Any Time

Terrorist Plot and Target Selection

• 🎯 The suspect, Christian Sturdivant, was targeting a grocery store chain because he knew it would have a large number of people.
• 💡 He was looking for a high-profile location and was considering multiple grocery stores in Mint Hill, choosing whichever had the most people.
• 🇺🇸 New Year's Eve was seen as a ripe opportunity for a terrorist to attack the American way of life, which is on full display during celebrations.

Law Enforcement's Preventative Actions

• ⏰ Law enforcement was concerned the attack could happen at any time and maintained 24/7 surveillance on the subject.
• 👮‍♂️ The FBI was authorized to make an arrest if the suspect left his house with weapons like guns, knives, or hammers.
• ⚖️ Multiple plans were in place to ensure the suspect was not free on New Year's Eve, including seeking an involuntary mental health hold, which was denied.
• 🔒 An arrest was made on New Year's Eve via a criminal complaint from a federal magistrate judge, keeping the suspect safely behind bars.

Legal Proceedings and Public Safety

• ❓ The suspect had an initial appearance, and will still receive a preliminary hearing and a detention hearing.
• ✅ Law enforcement stated that at no point was the public in harm's way due to their actions.