Man facing terrorism charges after threatening local police department, county attorney

SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - A Sioux City man is facing terrorism charges after he allegedly threatened to bomb the local police department and threatened the life of a county official.

Christian Burford, 28, of Sioux City, had his initial appearance in Iowa District Court for Woodbury County on Wednesday, August 19. He is charged with two counts of threats of terrorism.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at 9 a.m. Burford is charged with a forcible felony and is detained without bail. He must complete a substance-abuse evaluation within 45 days. A temporary no-contact order prohibits Burford from contacting James Loomis.

According to the court documents, officers went to T&W Tire, 309 Court St., Sioux City, on Monday, Aug. 17, at 7:27 a.m., after receiving information about papers that appeared threatening.

Officers allegedly found a photograph of James Loomis, identified as the current Woodbury County attorney. A handwritten note reportedly stated, “There will be a bomb underneath his vehicle.”

Police had received an anonymous tip on Aug. 16 stating, “check your messages, please.” The tip allegedly used the name “David Leavitt.” A message sent to the Fort Bend Justice Center in Richmond, Texas, allegedly stated that the sender planned to set off a bomb at the Sioux City Police Department and thanked “David Leavitt.”

Investigators concluded that the name “David Leavitt” was allegedly being used as a fake identity by the defendant.

Investigation led to search warrant

Police reportedly found social-media-related materials, including a printout of a Twitter/X account and an Instagram account containing alleged bombing threats. Police investigated the online accounts and messages and obtained legal process for information connected to the accounts.

They received information that allegedly led to the defendant and requested a search warrant for the defendant’s residence. At the home, they found a printer and papers in the defendant’s room that allegedly referenced the “David Leavitt” social-media identity. They also found firearms and ammunition in a room allegedly occupied only by the defendant.

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, officers said Burford was taken into custody and charged with two counts of terrorism.

On Monday, Aug. 17, at 7:27 a.m., officers with the Sioux City Police Department were alerted to the 300 block of Court St. They were called to the area for papers left there that appeared threatening in nature.

In a press release from the Sioux City Police Department, officers stated one of the papers had a photo of Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis and a handwritten note claiming there would be a bomb under his vehicle.

Sioux City officers said they were also contacted by the Fort Bend Justice Center in Richmond, Texas. A press release from Sioux City officers said an email was sent Sunday, Aug. 16, at about 11 p.m., with threats to bomb the Sioux City Police Department.

Officers said an investigation was then conducted into the threats, and they were able to obtain information from a social media account.

The Sioux City Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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On Tuesday, Aug. 18. officers say 28-year-old Christian Burford, of Sioux City, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of terrorism.

On Monday, Aug. 17, at 7:27 a.m., officers with the Sioux City Police Department were alerted to the 300 block of Court St. They were called to the area for papers that were left there that appeared threatening in nature.

In a press release from the Sioux City Police Department, officers state on one of the papers was a photo of Woodbury County Attorney James Loomis and a handwritten note claiming there would be a bomb under his vehicle

Sioux City officers say they were also contacted by the Fort Bend Justice Center, located in Richmond, Texas. A press release from Sioux City officers says an email on Sunday, Aug. 16 at about 11:00p.m. with threats made to bomb the Sioux City Police Department.

Officers say an investigation was then conducted into the threats and were able to obtain information from a social media account.

The Sioux City Police Department says the investigation remains ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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