Violent altercation in NC neighborhood after Native American artifacts unearthed

A warrant for arrest is out for a suspect in a stabbing that happened during an altercation between residents and protesters in a neighborhood where Native American artifacts were found, according to the Carteret County Sheriff's Office.

People who live at the Bridge View neighborhood in Carteret County said they were accosted by protesters on Sunday.

Two people who live in the neighborhood were injured after a group of Native American protesters verbally harassed a neighbor, according to a resident of the neighborhood. Deputies say a man was stabbed in the arm with a small pocket knife and had minor other injuries, and by the time law enforcement arrived on scene, the person responsible for the stabbing had fled. A warrant is out for his arrest, and he has not yet been located. Deputies did not identify the suspect.

A woman posted a TikTok video saying she's part of the Tuscarora Tribe of North Carolina and was part of the group that went to the development for a peaceful prayer. She claims they were met with anger from the homeowners – even leading to a gun being drawn.

The Tuscarora Nation put out a statement claiming they were having a peaceful prayer event and that they are the victims of violence. Carteret County Sheriff's Office's statement does not mention other injuries, and no other warrants have been sworn out.

Some people who live in the Bridge View neighborhood said the group should not have been able to enter the development, and they've been asking for more security from property management and the developer.

Bridge View residents said the developer didn't want to hinder construction vehicles coming in and out. They say it wasn't until violence ensued that the gate was closed to those without an entry code.

The Bridge View resident WRAL News spoke with said they don't feel safe at home anymore and have questions for the developers and local law enforcement.

On Thursday, June 27, Bridge View residents issued a statement about the violence in the neighborhood.

"As a community, we respect the ongoing archaeological efforts and the preservation of history," the statement reads. "We ask that our safety, privacy and property investment, as well as the laws regarding trespassing on private property, receive equal respect from stakeholders and citizens and that these priorities are taken into account in future words and actions because they are at the forefront of our minds.

"We are discouraged to see inaccuracies being reported about our neighbors and the beautiful place that we call home. Bridge View residents are largely learning about archaeological finds within our subdivision alongside the general public through the media. We have little to no prior knowledge of what has been unearthed and where, or the future of development within our gates. Those questions are best directed to the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology and the residential developer, not the Bridge View residents who have been the subjects of unsolicited attention and aggression and placed in the middle of a debate beyond our control."

WRAL News also continued to reach out to the developers, Cedar Point LLC. We have heard no response to our request for comment.

Sunday’s incident comes after state Sen. Michael Lazzara (R-Onslow) asked the legislature to overlook the archaeological findings buried beneath the Bridge View Development.

As of Monday, there is no word on whether the Bridge View development will continue.

North Carolina lawmakers continue to discuss the topic at the state legislature.