The Moore County Substation Attack: A Dark Night in North Carolina

The Attack

On the night of December 3, 2022, the tranquil community of Moore County, North Carolina, was thrust into chaos. As the clock neared 7:00 p.m., gunfire shattered the evening calm, targeting two Duke Energy electrical substations. The assault left up to 40,000 homes and businesses cloaked in darkness and tragically resulted in the death of one woman. The severity of the damage suggested a prolonged power outage, with initial estimates indicating it could take up to four days to restore electricity. In response, local officials swiftly declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew to maintain order amid the unfolding crisis.

Background

This attack did not occur in isolation. Less than two weeks prior, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had issued a warning about escalating threats to the nation's electric infrastructure. The threats were reportedly linked to individuals motivated by racially or ethnically extremist ideologies, who sought to incite civil unrest and promote violence. A 14-page document circulated on Telegram, a platform favored by accelerationist groups, advocated for low-tech attacks on power grids, including the use of firearms. While no direct connection was made between this report and the Moore County attack, the possibility of extremist involvement loomed large. Historically, similar attacks have occurred across the United States, including incidents in Metcalf, California, Arkansas, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest.

The Night of Terror

Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields revealed chilling details of the attack. The first substation in Carthage was heavily damaged, followed by an assault on another in West End. The coordinated strikes plunged the majority of the county into darkness. A local journalist reported seeing one of the substation gates toppled into an access road, the pole supporting it snapped at the base. The power outage spread rapidly, affecting approximately 36,000 customers, while Duke Energy officials assessed the extensive damage and warned of lengthy repairs.

The Investigation

The hunt for answers began as the FBI released a poster on December 7, appealing for public assistance in solving the attack. Joined by the Moore County Sheriff's Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and law enforcement from all eleven local municipalities, the investigation was both thorough and exhaustive. The Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) also lent its expertise. Investigators recovered about two dozen shell casings from high-powered rifles at the crime scenes, key pieces of evidence that could link the attack to other criminal acts through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. These casings, though scant, offered a starting point for uncovering additional clues such as tire tracks or footprints.

In a bid to encourage information, Governor Roy Cooper announced a reward of up to $75,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The reward comprised three separate $25,000 offers from the State of North Carolina, Duke Energy, and Moore County.

Theories and Speculations

The attack was indisputably deliberate, as officials described it as "targeted" and "intentional, willful and malicious." However, the motive remained elusive. Speculation abounded on the internet, with some suggesting the attack was an attempt to disrupt a local drag show in Southern Pines held the same evening. While these claims were unconfirmed and disputed, investigators focused on two possible motives. One theory linked the attack to online writings by domestic extremists advocating for assaults on critical infrastructure. The other considered potential anti-LGBTQ+ motivations, given the heightened tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ events. Despite the timing, no concrete evidence tied the attack directly to the drag show.

The Aftermath

As of December 6, approximately 35,000 residents still lacked power, though the restoration timeline was adjusted to midnight on December 7. By the following morning, power had been restored to the Moore County hospital, and only about 23,000 customers remained affected. Duke Energy confirmed that all damaged substation equipment had been repaired or replaced. By 4 p.m. on December 7, the number of customers without power had dwindled to roughly 1,200, allowing the permanent lifting of the curfew at 5 a.m. the next day.

The impact of the outage was profound. Moore County Regional Hospital operated on generator power, while Southern Pines relied on backup generators for sewer and water services. Residents were urged to stay off the roads or drive cautiously due to non-functioning traffic lights. A curfew was enforced from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and a shelter was established at the Moore County Sports Complex. Schools were closed from December 5 through December 8.

Tragically, the power outage had fatal consequences. On August 30, 2023, the death of 87-year-old Karin Zoanelli, who perished during the blackout, was ruled a homicide. Zoanelli, a Pinehurst resident with chronic lung issues, relied on an oxygen machine that became inoperable due to the power loss, contributing to her death.

Official Responses

In the wake of the attack, Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields emphasized the targeted nature of the assault, though he refrained from labeling it as domestic terrorism. He also dispelled rumors linking the attack to the nearby drag show. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby underscored the importance of securing critical infrastructure, while North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper condemned the attack as a serious crime, urging thorough investigation and justice for the perpetrators.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Moore County substation attack