Man accused of threatening to shoot Duke Energy CEO at NC State commencement

A man was taken into custody for threatening to shoot Duke Energy's CEO during a planned commencement speech at NC State.

Luke Archer Hoover, 24, is accused of threatening on social media his intent to shoot a victim at a public venue, according to the arrest warrant.

In court on Tuesday, it was revealed that Hoover's alleged threat was directed at Duke Energy CEO Harry Sideris, who was scheduled to give the spring commencement address on May 9 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The threat was made on the social media platform X.

The complaint was filed by a North Carolina State University officer on April 23. He was taken into custody Monday night in northeast Raleigh.

Hoover has no affiliation with NC State, the university said. 

"I am not violent," Hoover said in court. "It's not in my nature. I have never hurt anyone."

Hoover, who is listed as living in Moore County, was arrested overnight at a home on Kayton Street. Neighbors shared video with WRAL News of police activity outside at a home. The US Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force assisted with the arrest.

A neighbor told WRAL News that he had previous issues with Hoover and the homeowner.

"We had a few problems with him in the past, especially with the homeowner," the neighbor said. "They were rude, didn’t follow neighborhood rules, trespassing in my property. [We] had to call RPD to them."

Hoover had prior convictions for larceny and possession of stolen property in Moore County in 2019 and 2020. He was also charged with violating his probation from those crimes in 2024 and was still on probation when he was arrested overnight. 

Hoover faces a $100,000 bond with electronic monitoring or a $150,000 bond without the condition of electronic monitoring. He said he wants to be out on bond due to medical reasons.

NC State leadership said the university has a "robust security plan in place for the event."