A civilian "flash-bang" diversionary device was tossed from a car near an early voting site in Aberdeen, Moore County, around noon Wednesday, according to police. The brief blast did not injure anyone or damage property, but it did trigger a rapid ramp-up in police presence around local polling places as investigators moved in on the scene. Authorities said voting sites would stay under heightened patrol while the investigation continues.
Capt. Shannon Blackburn told the News & Observer that the device was thrown from a vehicle and landed about 150 yards from the polling place. The State Board of Elections also alerted the state emergency management office, board spokesman Jason Tyson told the paper, as officials coordinated a response to what they described as an unusual incident.
Election officials urge calm and report concerns
The North Carolina State Board of Elections says early voting for the March primary runs Feb. 12 to 28 and is urging voters and campaigns to steer clear of any disruptive behavior at polling places. Under the board's guidance, "intimidating any voter is a crime," and anyone who feels harassed or threatened at the polls should immediately alert an election official, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Investigation and patrols
Aberdeen police said they have not yet identified a suspect or a motive and are canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance video, the News & Observer reports. Law enforcement agencies across Moore County increased patrols at early voting sites while state and local officials worked together to reassure voters and reinforce security.
Officials did not say whether the blast would lead to any changes in voting schedules. The early voting window remains in effect statewide through Feb. 28 ahead of the March 3 primary, according to the State Board of Elections. Local authorities said they will release more information as the investigation moves forward.
