On the weekend of December 3, 2022, Moore County, North Carolina, was thrust into darkness following a series of targeted attacks on two key substations operated by Duke Energy. As gunfire shattered the stillness of the night, over 45,000 residents found themselves without power, with that number dwindling to more than 38,000 by Monday evening. The attacks, described by officials as intentional acts of vandalism, have triggered a multifaceted investigation involving local law enforcement and the FBI, as no suspects or motives have yet been identified. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper labeled the incident a “criminal attack,” expressing deep concerns over its impact on the community, especially vulnerable populations who rely on electricity for essential services. As the investigation unfolds, the ramifications of this unprecedented assault on critical infrastructure continue to ripple through the region, leaving many to grapple with the ongoing fallout.

• Impact on Community: Over 38,000 residents in Moore County, NC, were left without power following targeted attacks on substations, disrupting daily life and operations for businesses and schools.

• Damage to Assets:

  • Two substations were significantly damaged by gunfire, requiring extensive repairs and equipment replacements.
  • Signs of vandalism were found at multiple power sites, indicating intentional destruction.

• Organizational Impact:

  • Duke Energy faced challenges in restoring power, with outages expected to last until Wednesday or Thursday.
  • The inability to provide consistent electricity affected critical infrastructure, including water supply, particularly for rural families.
  • Local businesses struggled to operate; pharmacies had to store medications off-site with generators, and some owners provided free food to those in need.
  • Financial costs include repair expenses and potential revenue losses for affected businesses and schools, though specific figures are not detailed.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and its ripple effects on community health and safety.

The attack on Moore County's power substations likely involved a combination of premeditated planning and exploitation of security vulnerabilities. Given the nature of the assault, which included gunfire directed at substations, it suggests that the attackers had specific knowledge of the infrastructure and its weak points.

Security systems at these facilities may have been inadequate, allowing the assailants to bypass surveillance or response protocols. The incident also occurred amid a heightened alert for domestic terrorism threats against critical infrastructure, indicating that attackers may have been emboldened by recent warnings.

Moreover, the timing of the attack, during a period of low visibility or reduced staffing, could have facilitated the perpetrators' actions without immediate detection. The investigation will likely examine access control measures, response times of security personnel, and the overall resilience of the electrical grid to targeted violence. These insights will be crucial to understanding how such vulnerabilities were exploited and to prevent future incidents.

Initial responses to the Moore County power outages included immediate assessments by utility crews who discovered signs of vandalism at the substations, including evidence of gunfire. The Duke Energy spokesperson, Jeff Brooks, reported that restoration efforts were underway, emphasizing the complexity of repairs due to significant damage to equipment. The Moore County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the attacks were targeted, leading to a swift investigation involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Shelters were opened for affected residents, and local businesses adapted to support the community; for instance, a pharmacy owner utilized a generator to store medicines for patients. Community leaders, including Governor Roy Cooper, expressed deep concern over the impact on vulnerable populations and small businesses, prompting a coordinated response to manage the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.