Anson Co. man charged with terrorism after gun pointed at courthouse

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ANSON COUNTY, N.C. — Anson County sheriff’s deputies found homemade explosive devices at the home of the man accused of pointing an assault rifle at the Anson County Courthouse last week.

Deputies arrested Kurtis Russell after surveillance video showed him appearing at the courthouse with an assault rifle raised.

The video showed him put the gun behind his back and open the door before he was met by a deputy. He then turned and left.

Deputies searched his home Thursday when they found the explosive devices and contacted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Bomb Unit and the U.S. Army Special Force Unit to help identify the explosive material.

“They were created in the home and there was also materials found in the home for more to be created,” Anson County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Brian Tice said.

(Kurtis Russell)

Deputies also found items used to make the explosives, an AR 15 rifle, computers and other electronic devices.

Russell was charged with terrorism, larceny of a firearm, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, possession of a weapon at a courthouse, going armed to the terror of the people, possession of a firearm by a felon.

He was jailed with bail set at $5 million.

“Just let the people of Anson County know they should feel safe,” Tice said.

Anson County Sheriff Landric Reid said the investigation into whether Russell acted alone is ongoing.

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