RALEIGH, N.C. — Recent developments have led federal disaster personnel to alter their recovery operations in North Carolina following threats directed at them, purportedly by a militia group. This decision comes in the wake of disinformation surrounding the government’s response to Hurricane Helene.
The threats were reported over the weekend, prompting actions from local authorities. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office stated that it received a report on Saturday regarding a man wielding an assault rifle who made remarks about potentially harming employees from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as they were assisting in severely impacted areas like Lake Lure and Chimney Rock located in the state’s mountainous region.
Authorities quickly managed to identify the alleged perpetrator as 44-year-old William Jacob Parsons from Bostic, after gathering a description of the vehicle involved and the license plate number. Parsons, who was found armed with both a handgun and a rifle, faced charges for “going armed to the terror of the public,” a misdemeanor offense, and was subsequently released after posting bail.
Initial accounts suggested the involvement of a “truckload of militia,” but further inquiries revealed that Parsons acted independently. In the meantime, attempts to reach Parsons or his potential relative for comments were unsuccessful.
In a statement on social media, Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell noted that FEMA had suspended some of its operations in light of the threats as it underwent risk assessment. He urged the public to remain calm and assist during the recovery process without inciting further unrest.
FEMA acknowledged the adjustment in its operations, emphasizing that disaster-recovery centers remain operational and that the agency continues its mission to support those impacted by Helene. Individuals from FEMA’s disaster-assistance teams, who typically help survivors secure assistance and connect with local resources, have paused their door-to-door outreach and are now stationed at fixed points while the situation is reviewed. A source with knowledge of the operations noted that these changes were made purely as a precautionary measure.
The agency did not disclose specific details regarding the nature of the threats. Governor Roy Cooper’s office confirmed awareness of the threats against response personnel and the rampant disinformation circulating online. Cooper has instructed state law enforcement to collaborate with local officials to clarify and address these threats and rumors.
On another front, the U.S. Forest Service, which is aiding in the hurricane recovery efforts, reportedly sent communications to various federal agencies indicating that FEMA advised all responding federal personnel to evacuate Rutherford County immediately. The communication mentioned that National Guard members had encountered “armed militia” claiming they were “out hunting FEMA.”
Amid these circumstances, FEMA has been at the center of widespread misinformation regarding its actions post-Hurricane Helene, which impacted Florida on September 26 before advancing northward and causing widespread devastation across several states. Critics have voiced concerns that the agency’s response has been inadequate, while false claims circulate in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election, suggesting that individuals receiving federal aid risk losing their land or that FEMA is obstructing the distribution of essential supplies.
As confusion abounds regarding FEMA’s role during disasters, it’s important to note that state or tribal governments must request federal support—this help is only activated when disasters surpass the capacity for local response. Federal assistance comes into play only after the president has issued a disaster declaration.
Following such a declaration, various forms of aid can be made available through FEMA. The organization’s immediate response often includes financial assistance to individuals affected by disasters, such as direct payments for urgent needs like medication or basic supplies. Additional funds may also be approved for housing options if primary residences are lost or to cover storage facility rentals.
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on remote communities across the Appalachian region, leaving millions without electricity, disrupting cellular networks, and unfortunately claiming at least 243 lives. This storm marked the deadliest hurricane to strike the U.S. mainland since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.