According to FBI special agent James C. Barnacle Jr., Sturdivant, an American citizen, was apprehended on New Year’s Eve prior to initiating any intended plan. His arrest took place as he was being discharged from a medical center.

Although the teenager aimed to execute an attack on that date, it was not connected to any particular New Year’s celebration.

The young suspect made his initial court appearance on Friday, with another hearing scheduled for January 7.

During a search of Sturdivant’s residence, FBI agents discovered hammers and knives concealed under his bed, alongside handwritten notes detailing the alleged scheme. They also found a list of targets and descriptions of his intended attire and methods for the attack.

Investigators uncovered what they termed a manifesto, titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” revealing Sturdivant’s plans to target Jews, Christians, and the LGBTQ community. His intention was to stab “as many civilians as possible,” according to authorities.

From what authorities described as a manifesto, titled “New Year’s Attack 2026,” investigators gathered that Sturdivant was targeting Jews, Christians and the LGBTQ community to stab “as many civilians as possible,” authorities said.

Ferguson called the attack “very well planned,” adding that Sturdivant “was preparing for Jihad and innocent people were going to die, and we were very, very fortunate they did not”.

Known to FBI since the age of 14

The FBI first learned of Sturdivant in January 2022 when he “was in contact via social media with an unidentified ISIS member overseas,” Barnacle said.

That member, the FBI said, directed the then 14-year-old to dress in all black, knock on doors and attack people with a hammer, guidance Sturdivant followed closely before a family member stepped in.