Cyber Incident Victim: Des Moines City Council
Date:
May 2020
Location:
United States of America
Summary
A Des Moines civil rights meeting held virtually via Zoom was disrupted twice by unauthorized individuals who directed racist slurs, including the n-word, at specific commission members. The attacks occurred before and during the session, prompting organizers to terminate the gathering to protect participants. City officials condemned the incidents as displays of racial intolerance, reaffirming their commitment to combating hate through community collaboration and equitable policies. The disruptions underscored persistent challenges in maintaining secure digital forums for public discourse.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 1 motive | 1 technique |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
On May 13, 2020, a virtual joint meeting between the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission and the Des Moines City Council was disrupted by unauthorized individuals in two separate Zoom-bombing incidents. The meeting, conducted via Zoom due to COVID-19 emergency measures including a March 5 city proclamation and statewide stay-at-home order, faced initial intrusion before official proceedings began. An attacker directed racial slurs at two specific commission members, employing derogatory language including the n-word. Civil and Human Rights Director Joshua Barr acknowledged the incident at the meeting's opening, warning participants that recurrence would force cancellation for public protection. As Mayor Frank Cownie commenced his remarks moments later, a second intrusion occurred with additional offensive content, prompting immediate termination of the session.
The attacks caused operational disruption requiring full meeting abandonment and exposed participants to targeted racial harassment. Mayor Cownie condemned the incidents as a "disgusting and sickening display of racial intolerance," framing them as reinforcement for the city's educational anti-racism initiatives. Commission Chair Kameron Middlebrooks characterized the events as evidence of persistent community divisions, stating they reinforced his commitment to equitable policymaking and bridging social gaps. No technical details regarding intrusion methods or attendee data exposure were disclosed in available reports. The city's response remained declarative, focusing on organizational resolve rather than technical remediation or investigative outcomes.