Speaker 1 (00:00):
Schools are closed and crews are working around the clock to restore power to 38,000 homes in Moore County, North Carolina. It comes after officials say gunfire damaged several power substations. The Sheriff’s Office says this was all part of a targeted attack. At this hour, officials are still trying to piece together exactly what happened.
(00:21)
Homes are without heat, stoplights are out, and roads in Moore County are dark after two Duke Energy substations were damaged by gunfire on Saturday. Sheriff Ronnie Fields says the person or people responsible knew what they were doing.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields (00:36):
Yes, this individual that done this, it was targeted. It wasn’t random.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
He was emotional about the far-reaching impacts this has on residents.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields (00:43):
We’re just getting over the COVID, and now this, and how it’s going to hurt all of our restaurants and the businesses and stuff.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
The Red Cross is operating a 24-hour shelter for those in need.
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Depending on population counts and things of that sort, other facilities can be identified if necessary.
Jennifer Campuzano (01:02):
It’s an unfortunate event. This is something-
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Despite not having power themselves, Jennifer Campuzano and her family brought meals over to the shelter.
Jennifer Campuzano (01:10):
We wanted to bring some food up for the guys that probably need it most.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Her family is trying to make the best of the situation.
Jennifer Campuzano (01:20):
Our gas logs work just fine, so we’ll probably be camping out in the living room.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Now it’s a waiting game, as Duke Energy says it could take until Thursday before power is restored.
Speaker 5 (01:31):
Unlike perhaps a storm where you can go in and reroute power somewhere else, that was not an option in this case, so repair has to be completed.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
With SBI and the FBI now involved in the investigation, Sheriff Fields has a message for those behind the damage.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields (01:49):
I can promise you, to the perpetrators out there, we will find you.
Speaker 1 (01:55):
Despite several posts on social media, investigators aren’t sure if there is a tie between the power outage and a drag show that sparked a lot of controversy in the area. So Far, the Sheriff’s Office says those claims are not credible.