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Jimmy Williams
As nearly 65,000 residents of Rutherford County, North Carolina, grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a reported armed threat against Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers has hindered relief efforts. The situation prompted FEMA to modify its operations, affecting recovery efforts in one of the state’s hardest-hit areas.
According to an email first reported by The Washington Post, FEMA teams were instructed to cease door-to-door assistance and relocate to fixed positions after National Guard troops encountered an armed militia claiming they were “hunting FEMA.”
In a statement to CBS News, FEMA explained, “For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments.” They emphasized that Disaster Recovery Centers remain open, and survivors can continue registering for assistance.
Local authorities took swift action following the reported threat. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a call Saturday afternoon about a man allegedly armed with an assault rifle, who threatened to harm FEMA employees in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area. William Parsons, 44, of Bostic, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public. Authorities confirmed he was armed with both a handgun and a rifle. Although early reports suggested involvement from a larger militia group, officials later determined Parsons acted alone. He was released on a $10,000 bond.
The North Carolina National Guard denied encountering armed militia, stating they had “no reports of our soldiers or airmen encountering any armed militia, any threats, and any type of combatants.”
False claims surrounding the federal government’s response have circulated widely, including rumors that recovery efforts would be halted to seize Chimney Rock and that victims were only receiving $750 in aid. These conspiracy theories have pushed FEMA to create a webpage dedicated to debunking misinformation.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed concern on CBS’s Face the Nation, saying, “We have individuals in need of assistance who are entitled to assistance who aren’t seeking it because of the false information.”
Former President Donald Trump has also contributed to misinformation, suggesting FEMA money meant for hurricane victims was diverted to assist migrants. Although FEMA does provide aid to immigrants, the funding comes from separate sources and does not impact disaster relief efforts.
President Joe Biden addressed these falsehoods in a White House speech, specifically calling out Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. “Marjorie Taylor Greene… is now saying the federal government is literally controlling the weather. It’s beyond ridiculous. It’s so stupid, it’s got to stop,” Biden said.
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm in late September, has claimed more than 225 lives, with most of the deaths occurring in North Carolina. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but recent threats and misinformation have complicated the process.
Over the weekend, President Biden visited Florida to assess damage from both Hurricane Helene and the recent Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm. During his visit, he announced an additional $600 million in aid for the areas affected by the two hurricanes, pressing Congress to approve more disaster relief funding.
As recovery continues, FEMA’s adjusted operations and federal aid will play critical roles in helping North Carolina and other affected states rebuild.
