A North Carolina man, Christopher Arthur, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for teaching someone how to make bombs meant to kill federal law enforcement officers. Arthur, a U.S. Army and North Carolina National Guard veteran, had founded a company called Tackleberry Solutions, which created manuals and videos teaching wartime tactics, including bomb-making instructions and how to create booby traps to kill law enforcement officers. Arthur came to the attention of the FBI in 2020 when his manuals were found in the possession of Joshua Blessed, who had attacked sheriff’s deputies and police officers in New York and died after a high-speed chase and gun battle with officers.
Arthur was arrested in 2022 after providing bomb-making instructions to a confidential human source known as “Buckshot” by federal prosecutors. Buckshot had contacted Arthur seeking help in preparing for the return of agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who had confiscated some of his weapons. At trial, Arthur claimed his manuals were not meant for attacking law enforcement or the government but to prepare people for potential violent chaos. In a statement before his sentencing, Arthur warned of impending violence in the country and urged people to buy food storage and prepare to defend themselves and their families.
Federal prosecutors charged Arthur with domestic terrorism enhancements related to the bomb-making instructions, a charge upheld by the judge despite defense objections. Arthur’s federal public defender, Ed Gray, described him as a deeply religious man who wanted to keep his family safe from what he believed was a coming apocalypse. Gray emphasized that Arthur served two tours of duty in Iraq and experienced unseen issues that required addressing. Judge James C. Dever III took into account Arthur’s service and history as a former law enforcement officer before imposing the sentence of 25 years in prison.
The case of Christopher Arthur highlights the dangers of individuals using their knowledge of warfare tactics to teach others how to create deadly weapons and booby traps. Arthur’s company, Tackleberry Solutions, produced manuals and videos containing bomb-making instructions and other dangerous tactics, attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies. Despite Arthur’s claims that his materials were meant for self-defense rather than offensive attacks, the judge found him guilty of domestic terrorism enhancements and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. The case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of sharing knowledge that can be used to harm others, especially law enforcement officers.
Christopher Arthur’s background as a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who served in Iraq adds complexity to his case, as it raises questions about the impact of military service on individuals’ mental health and worldview. Arthur’s defense attorney pointed to his client’s struggles after returning from combat and emphasized the need for addressing unseen issues through therapy. However, the judge ultimately held Arthur accountable for his actions, considering the seriousness of his offenses and the potential threat posed by his bomb-making instructions. The sentencing of Arthur serves as a warning to others who may seek to use their knowledge and skills for harmful purposes, underscoring the importance of responsible and ethical behavior in sharing information related to weaponry and tactics.
