EMA Crews in Rutherford County Relocated Amid Armed Threat After Hurricane Helene

As nearly 65,000 resilient residents of Rutherford County, North Carolina, work tirelessly to recover from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, federal aid has faced a significant roadblock. According to The Washington Post, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) crews were forced to relocate after an armed threat was reported.

Threat to FEMA Workers
The U.S. Forest Service alerted federal responders in Rutherford County to a potential standdown after National Guard troops reportedly encountered armed militia members claiming they were “hunting FEMA.” This prompted federal teams to relocate, halting their usual door-to-door disaster assistance operations and slowing the recovery process for the thousands of residents affected by the storm.

CBS News confirmed that one individual, William Parsons, 44, of Bostic, North Carolina, was arrested in connection with the threat. Parsons was charged with going armed to the terror of the public. He was found with a handgun and a rifle at the time of his arrest and was later released on a $10,000 bond.

FEMA Adjusts Operations
In response to the threat, FEMA adjusted its operations for safety reasons. Instead of the usual door-to-door visits, disaster assistance teams have been stationed at fixed locations. In a statement, FEMA emphasized its commitment to helping the survivors of Hurricane Helene while ensuring the safety of its staff and the affected residents.

“FEMA continues to support communities impacted by Helene and help survivors apply for assistance. For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments,” the agency stated. “Disaster Recovery Centers remain open as scheduled, and survivors continue registering for assistance.”

Local Response and Investigations
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a report on Saturday afternoon of a man with an assault rifle threatening FEMA workers involved in recovery efforts in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas. While initial reports suggested a militia group was involved, further investigation revealed that Parsons acted alone, according to the sheriff’s office.

Local law enforcement remains on high alert, though no additional specific or credible threats have been identified. The North Carolina National Guard also clarified that there were no confirmed reports of its personnel encountering armed militia or facing threats.

Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories
In the wake of the hurricane, misinformation and conspiracy theories have circulated online. One false claim suggested that the federal government was halting search and rescue operations to seize Chimney Rock for demolition. Another baseless rumor claimed that victims were receiving only $750 in aid, when FEMA actually provides assistance based on individual needs. To counter these falsehoods, FEMA has created a page on its website dedicated to debunking rumors related to its Hurricane Helene response.

Former President Donald Trump has also been accused of spreading misinformation, falsely claiming that FEMA aid for hurricane victims was being diverted to migrants. While FEMA does sometimes assist immigrants, disaster relief funding remains separate, and the agency’s primary mission is to provide aid to disaster survivors regardless of their immigration status.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas addressed these concerns on Face the Nation, warning that misinformation was preventing some eligible individuals from seeking the aid they need.

President Biden Responds
President Joe Biden also addressed the spread of false claims, including accusations that the government can control the weather, which have been promoted by some Republican politicians like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Biden described these accusations as “beyond ridiculous.”

Biden, who recently toured storm damage in Florida following Hurricane Milton, has announced $600 million in aid for areas impacted by both Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on September 26 and caused widespread destruction across six states, with North Carolina suffering the highest death toll. As recovery efforts continue, federal, state, and local authorities remain focused on providing relief, addressing safety concerns, and combating misinformation.