An armed man from North Carolina was arrested for threatening federal disaster workers who were providing aid in the western parts of the state after Hurricane Helene. William Jacob Parsons, 44, was taken into custody after making threatening comments towards workers with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office reported that Parsons was seen with an assault-style rifle and was heard voicing threats by a customer or worker at a gas station.
Authorities received a description of the suspect’s vehicle and found Parsons armed with a handgun and rifle in a supermarket where a FEMA bus was parked but not occupied by workers. Parsons was charged with “going armed to the terror of the public,” a misdemeanor, and was released after posting a $10,000 bond. The sheriff’s office stated that they believe Parsons acted alone, contrary to initial reports of a “truck load of militia” heading to Lake Lure.
FEMA made operational changes in North Carolina over the weekend based on the threat information received. This included a temporary pause on workers going door to door to register hurricane survivors for federal assistance. However, these operations resumed on Monday, as FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized that misinformation would not deter them from helping people in need.
Federal workers have been facing threats due to false allegations and misinformation spread by former President Donald Trump and right-wing influencers on social media. FEMA has been actively addressing these rumors and lies by creating a webpage to debunk common claims. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has directed the state’s Department of Public Safety to assist FEMA in coordinating with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of workers as they continue their crucial work.
The safety of responders must be a top priority, especially with the prevalence of misinformation online contributing to threats against them. It is essential to support the efforts of organizations like FEMA in providing aid and assistance to those affected by natural disasters. Misinformation can hinder these efforts, making it crucial to combat false narratives and ensure the safety of those on the front lines of disaster response.
