BREAKING: Mass blackout in North Carolina result of ‘sabotage’

Moore County Sheriff's Office wrote in a Facebook post, "Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields reports that the mass power outage across the county is being investigated as a criminal occurrence."

"Just after 7 pm on Saturday evening, December 3, 2022, several different communities across Moore County began experiencing power outages. As utility companies began responding to the different substations, evidence was discovered that indicated that intentional vandalism had occurred at multiple sites," the sheriff's office added.

CNN reports that the power outage impacted nearly 41,000 Duke Energy customers as it also affected the neighboring Hoke County.

Governor Roy Cooper tweeted, "I have spoken with Duke Energy and state law enforcement officials about the power outages in Moore County. They are investigating and working to return electricity to those impacted. The state is providing support as needed. - RC"

Jeff Brooks, a spokesman for Duke Energy, told CNN that his crews were experiencing "multiple equipment failures" resulting in the blackouts.

"We are also investigating signs of potential vandalism related to the outages," Brooks added.

Jack Posobiec Tweeted, "My uncle's house is down here and has no power."