As the residents of Rutherford County, North Carolina continue to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) crews faced a setback due to a reported armed threat against workers. The U.S. Forest Service sent an email to federal responders in the county warning them of a possible standdown after National Guard troops encountered armed militia members claiming they were “hunting FEMA.”
In response to the threat, FEMA decided to station their disaster assistance teams at fixed locations instead of going door-to-door, which has been their typical practice. This adjustment was made to ensure the safety of their staff and the disaster survivors they are assisting. One individual, identified as William Parsons, 44, of Bostic, North Carolina, was arrested in connection to the threat and charged with going armed to the terror of the public. Parsons was armed with a handgun and a rifle when he was apprehended and later released on a $10,000 bond.
Despite initial reports of a truckload of militia being involved, further investigation revealed that Parsons acted alone and there were no additional threats. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that local law enforcement remains on high alert, but there are no specific and credible threats at this time. In light of false claims circulating online, including rumors that FEMA planned to seize and bulldoze Chimney Rock and that victims were only receiving $750 in aid, the agency has created a page on its website to debunk misinformation about its response to Hurricane Helene.
Former President Donald Trump has been criticized for spreading misinformation about FEMA funding, falsely suggesting that money intended for hurricane victims was diverted to migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of debunking false information to ensure that individuals in need receive the assistance they are entitled to. President Biden also addressed the issue of misinformation, calling out claims that the government can control the weather as “beyond ridiculous.”
During his visit to Florida, President Biden announced $600 million in aid for areas impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The federal government’s commitment to supporting communities affected by natural disasters remains steadfast, despite the challenges posed by misinformation and threats against relief efforts. The safety and well-being of both FEMA employees and disaster survivors continue to be a top priority as recovery efforts continue in North Carolina and other affected regions.
