CNN
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The FBI is participating in an investigation into a power outage in a North Carolina county believed to have been caused by a “deliberate” and “targeted” attack on a substation, although no suspects or motives have been identified. curfew and emergency declaration.
According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, a major power outage in Moore County prompted responding utility crews to perform potential sabotage of equipment at various locations, including two substations damaged by gunfire. When I discovered the signs, it turned into a criminal investigation.
“The people who did this knew exactly what they were doing,” Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said at a press conference on Sunday. Hmm.”
Fields said multiple bullets were fired at two substations. “It was targeted, not random,” he said.
The sheriff did not specify whether the criminal act was domestic terrorism, but said, “None of the groups have admitted or accepted that they are criminals.” [did] that. ”
Authorities announced a mandatory curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Sunday night, and Fields said the decision was made to protect residents and businesses.
In addition to the FBI, the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation also participated in the investigation, officials said.
More than 33,000 customers were still in darkness across the county on Sunday night, according to Duke Energy’s blackout map. For some, the power outage could last until Thursday, disrupting the lives of tens of thousands of people, officials said.
All schools in the county were closed on Monday, and authorities opened generator-powered shelters.
Traffic lights were also out, and some shops with generators were able to open their doors, but some businesses and churches in Moore County were closed on Sunday, CNN affiliate WRAL reported. did.
“We were just getting over Covid. And now this,” the sheriff said, adding, “It’s going to hurt all of our restaurants and businesses.
It’s getting harder and harder to keep out the cold inside people’s homes.
“We have a six-month-old baby at home. We’re running out of heat. We’re trying to turn up the heat for her,” Carthage resident Chris Thompson told WRAL.
The National Weather Service said chilly temperatures were expected in the area on Sunday night with lows in the 30s, highs in the 50s and possible rain on Monday. Moore County is located in central North Carolina, about 50 miles northwest of Fayetteville.
The estimated cost of the substation damage is in the millions, sheriffs said Sunday.
Jeff Brooks, principal communications manager for Duke Energy, said the damage was so extensive that rerouting was not an option.
“We need to replace equipment,” Brooks said. “We are proceeding with recovery in multiple ways to try to get as many customers back as possible as quickly as possible.
In addition to the gunshot damage at the substation, it appears that the gate has been taken off its hinges, Asst, at one of the locations. Southern Pines Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Cameron told CNN.
The motive for the vandalism is unclear, but on Sunday, sheriffs responded to rumors circulating on social media that the attack was an attempt to stop a local drag show.
According to Fields, investigators “have not found anything related to drag shows.”
The county declared a state of emergency to protect residents and property and maintain public services, officials said. A countywide stay-at-home order is expected to be in effect nightly while the state of emergency is in effect.
“It’s going to be very dark and chilly tonight. We don’t need people in the streets. That’s why we have a curfew,” said Sen. Tom McInnis of North Carolina. Press conference. “Please stay home tonight…the roads are dangerous.”
The emergency order also encourages residents to conserve fuel.
Emergency calls have increased in the area because the streets are dark, and vehicular accidents have been reported because the lights have gone out, Cameron told CNN.
People who are dependent on oxygen are also calling emergency services, he added.
A shelter has been set up at the Moore County Sports Complex and a trailer with bathroom and shower facilities has been brought in, Moore County Manager Wayne Best said.
As for schools, it’s unclear how long campuses will remain closed. Moore County Superintendent Tim Locklear said decisions about opening schools for the rest of the week will be made on a daily basis.
