In a tense situation in North Carolina, a man armed with an assault rifle was arrested after reportedly threatening FEMA workers. This incident unfolded amid ongoing misinformation regarding Hurricane Helene and the government’s response to the disaster.
Reports emerged that an armed militia was patrolling the area “hunting” hurricane relief workers, prompting government officials to evacuate a county in North Carolina. Deputies later arrested 44-year-old William Jacob Parsons, who reportedly threatened to “mess up” FEMA personnel.
The Washington Post highlighted an email from U.S. Forest Service officials, warning relief workers that “National Guard troops had come across two trucks of men saying [they] were out hunting FEMA.” This alarming message led to the evacuation of aid workers from Rutherford County.
Law enforcement became involved after Parsons allegedly made threats to a gas station attendant, claiming he would confront FEMA workers. He was arrested by Lake Lure police, who were tipped off by deputies. Parsons was found with both a pistol and a rifle at the time of his arrest. He has since been released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Relief crews were cleared to return on Sunday afternoon, but not before similar threats were reported in Ashe County, which led FEMA to temporarily pause operations while police conducted a risk assessment.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Republicans and conservative media figures spreading misinformation regarding the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Some, including Donald Trump, have accused FEMA of withholding disaster relief funds, claiming they are diverting resources to illegal immigrants.
Fox News’ Sean Hannity has echoed these assertions, labeling Hurricane Helene as “Kamala’s Katrina.” Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has made even more extreme claims, alleging that Democrats are using technology to weaponize hurricanes against Republican voters.
The spread of misinformation has left some victims confused and reluctant to seek assistance. A caller on the Dan Abrams Show shared the struggles of his father-in-law, a victim of Hurricane Helene who was turning down FEMA help due to fears stoked by these narratives.
“We’ve sent him all the FEMA bulletins… He just doesn’t believe it. He thinks it’s all — he just believes Trump, literally,” the caller lamented. “It’s a cult.”
As the situation develops, the consequences of this rhetoric continue to affect disaster relief efforts and the individuals in need of support.
