Local officials reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency temporarily suspended aid operations in western North Carolina over the weekend due to threats against government workers following Hurricane Helene.
A senior Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) official in Washington verified that workers have been redirected from their usual method of assisting in disaster areas, which involves going door to door, and are now operating out of Disaster Recovery Centers “as we work through this challenge,” reported USA Today.
One man was taken into custody for purportedly making threats of violence against FEMA workers who were assisting with Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, as reported by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Capt. Jamie Keever stated in a news release issued on Monday that William Jacob Parsons, 44, was apprehended and charged with the misdemeanor offense of Going Armed to the Terror of the Public.
“Parsons was armed with a handgun and a rifle,” Keever said, reported CNN. Parsons has been released on a $10,000 secured bond.
An agency responsible for conducting inspections on behalf of FEMA instructed its staff in western North Carolina to stop conducting inspections over the weekend and go back to their hotels, reported WSMV4.
“Effective immediately, disaster-wide — cease inspections today and return to your hotels,” an alert from Vanguard Inspection Services read on Saturday, per WSMV4. “FEMA received news that the Title 10 (active military unit deployed to NC) came across some trucks of militia units who said they were out hunting FEMA personnel.”
“For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments,” a FEMA spokesperson said in a statement to CNN. “Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery.”
Ashe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Facebook the threats made in the mountain region, stating on October 13, “Recently in the mountain region, there have been threats made against them. This has not happened in Ashe County or the surrounding counties. Out of an abundance of caution, they have paused their process as they are assessing the threats.”
People took to social media to respond to the Facebook post, with one commenter stating, “People have every right to be mad. There are plenty of post from people who are upset because they were denied help! When you’re denied, you have to appeal, and that prevents people from getting help right now when it’s needed most. When we see billions getting sent out to other countries and we, the American people, are paying in that money and get bottom dollar, that’s a problem. They may be nice and say they’re here to help, but actions speak louder than words.”
Others, albeit frustrated, discouraged inappropriate retaliation.
“FEMA funds for hurricane relief do not go for foreign aid. I understand that if one believes that, it may be upsetting. But there is no excuse for threatening the workers there to help, there is no excuse for inciting violence against them. They are men and women just like you and your neighbors, here to do a job for your benefit,” posted one commentator.
“I understand why people are mad. They are being offered pennies to rebuild their homes and replace cars, appliances and furniture. Our government can give billions/trillions to other countries but refuse to give its own people even a fraction of what they need to start re-building. That being said, it isnt the fault of the FEMA workers. They have no control over who gets what or how much. They are simply doing their job. They absolutely shouldn’t be threatened or harassed. People that have an issue with FEMA and the ‘help’ the government is offering, should take their frustrations out with their local representatives and at the polls next month,” responded another commenter.
Regarding “taking it to the polls,” Election Day is November 5.