Current:Home > MarketsFEMA workers change some hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina after receiving threats -Wealth Axis Pro
FEMA workers change some hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina after receiving threats
View
Date:2025-04-12 17:16:17
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Federal disaster workers paused and then changed some of their hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina, including abandoning door-to-door visits, after receiving threats that they could be targeted by a militia, officials said, as the government response to Helene is targeted by runaway disinformation.
The threats emerged over the weekend. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Monday that it received a call Saturday about a man with an assault rifle who made a comment “about possibly harming” employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency working in the hard-hit areas of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, in the North Carolina mountains.
Authorities got a description of a suspect’s vehicle and license plate and later identified him as William Jacob Parsons, 44, of Bostic. Sheriff’s officials said in a statement that Parsons — who was armed with a handgun and a rifle — was charged with “going armed to the terror of the public,” a misdemeanor. He was released after posting bond.
The sheriff’s office said initial reports indicated that a “truckload of militia” was involved in making the threat, but further investigation determined that Parsons acted alone.
Messages left seeking comment at phone listings for Parsons and a possible relative were not immediately returned.
In a Facebook post, Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell said the Federal Emergency Management Agency put some work on hold as it assessed the threats.
“Stay calm and steady during our recovery, help folks and please don’t stir the pot,” Howell wrote Sunday.
FEMA confirmed in a statement Monday that it adjusted operations. It emphasized that disaster-recovery centers remain open and that FEMA continues “to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery.”
Workers from the agency’s disaster-assistance teams — who help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state and local resources — have stopped going door to door and instead are working from fixed locations while the potential threats are assessed, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they could not publicly discuss details of the operations.
The person stressed that FEMA was making the adjustments “out of an abundance of caution.”
FEMA did not immediately provide details on the threats.
Gov. Roy Cooper’s staff said in a statement Monday that his office was aware of “reports of threats to response workers on the ground,” as well as “significant misinformation online.” Cooper directed state law enforcement officials to work with local authorities to identify “the specific threats and rumors.”
The Washington Post reported Sunday that the U.S. Forest Service, which is supporting hurricane recovery work, sent a message to multiple federal agencies, warning that FEMA had advised all federal responders in Rutherford County to leave the county immediately.
The message stated that National Guard troops had encountered “armed militia” saying they were “out hunting FEMA.”
FEMA has faced rampant disinformation about its response to Helene, which hit Florida on Sept. 26 before heading north and leaving a trail of destruction across six states.
Critics allege the agency is not doing enough to help survivors, while false rumors circulating ahead of the presidential election include claims that people taking federal relief money could see their land seized or that FEMA is halting trucks full of supplies.
Meanwhile, confusion has arisen about what the agency does and doesn’t do when disaster strikes.
State or tribal governments can reach out to ask for federal assistance. But the disaster has to exceed their ability to respond, meaning that not all disasters end up getting federal help. The president approves disaster declarations.
Once an emergency is declared, that can unleash various types of aid from FEMA. Much of what the agency does is give out money in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and for years to come.
That can include assistance to individuals affected by disasters, such as payments of $750 to pay for immediate needs like medicine or diapers. It can also mean additional money to rent an apartment because their home is destroyed or to pay for a storage unit.
Helene decimated remote towns throughout the Appalachians, left millions without power, knocked out cellular service and killed at least 243 people. It was the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005.
___
Brumfield reported from Baltimore.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Stock market today: Asian shares mixed after Wall Street hits 2023 high
- Thousands march in Europe in the latest rallies against antisemitism stoked by the war in Gaza
- UK sends 2 minehunters to Ukraine as Britain and Norway seek to bolster Kyiv’s navy in the Black Sea
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Save $200 On This Convertible Bag From Kate Spade, Which We Guarantee You'll Be Wearing Everywhere
- Shohei Ohtani free agency hysteria brought out the worst in MLB media. We can do better.
- Derek Chauvin's stabbing highlights security issues in federal prisons, experts say
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Andrea Bocelli shares voice update after last-minute Boston, Philadelphia cancellations: It rarely happens
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Krispy Kreme reveals 'Elf' collection before 'Day of the Dozens' deal: How to get a $1 box
- Eagles' Tush Push play is borderline unstoppable. Will it be banned next season?
- Texans QB C.J. Stroud evaluated for concussion after head hits deck during loss to Jets
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Holocaust survivors will mark Hanukkah amid worries over war in Israel, global rise of antisemitism
- Congo’s president makes campaign stop near conflict zone and blasts Rwanda for backing rebels
- New Mexico court reverses ruling that overturned a murder conviction on speedy trial violations
Recommendation
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Some nations want to remove more pollution than they produce. That will take giving nature a boost
Elon Musk restores X account of Alex Jones, right-wing conspiracy theorist banned for abusive behavior
A 50-year-old Greek woman was mauled to death by neighbor’s 3 dogs. The dogs’ owner arrested
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
Krispy Kreme reveals 'Elf' collection before 'Day of the Dozens' deal: How to get a $1 box
Vermont Sheriff’s Association calls for sheriff who kicked shackled prisoner to resign
A rare earthquake rattled Nebraska. What made it an 'unusual one'?