North Carolina Man Arrested for Threatening FEMA Workers After Hurricane Helene

Key Takeaways
A North Carolina man, William Parsons, 44, was arrested for making threats against FEMA workers.
The arrest took place in Rutherford County, following a report by a soldier participating in hurricane relief efforts.
Parsons was found armed with both a rifle and a handgun during the incident.
FEMA operations in the area were briefly halted but resumed the following day.
Local authorities state Parsons acted alone and are on high alert for further potential threats.

North Carolina Man Arrested for Threatening FEMA Workers During Hurricane Recovery

By Gnosis News | Published October 14, 2024

In a troubling development amid recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, a North Carolina man, William Parsons, 44, was arrested for making armed threats against Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers in Rutherford County. The incident adds to the challenges faced by responders aiding communities devastated by the storm.

The Arrest

Local authorities reported that Parsons was arrested on Sunday after being found with a rifle and handgun. The arrest followed a tip from a soldier participating in the relief operations in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Parsons allegedly made threatening comments in a local store, which raised alarms among responders and law enforcement.

Impact on FEMA Operations

FEMA temporarily halted its operations in the region on Sunday due to concerns for worker safety. Services were resumed on Monday, with the agency reaffirming its commitment to supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. "Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, and survivors can still register for assistance," a FEMA spokesperson stated.

Militia Rumors Stir Panic

Panic among responders escalated when rumors of an armed militia targeting FEMA workers spread online. A US Forest Service official issued an alert warning of potential threats, stating that the National Guard encountered trucks reportedly "hunting FEMA." However, the North Carolina National Guard could not confirm the validity of these reports.

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Community Reaction

The arrest has stirred mixed reactions among local residents. Some expressed frustration with the pace of recovery efforts, claiming that FEMA's presence has been minimal. "I’ve yet to see a FEMA worker in person; most of the help I’ve seen has come from volunteers and locals," one resident shared.

Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath

Chimney Rock, a small town approximately 400 miles from where Hurricane Helene made landfall, experienced severe destruction. Flooding and high winds wiped out several businesses and homes, leaving many residents displaced. Power outages have persisted, with Duke Energy recently restoring electricity to the fire department. "It’s like a war zone here," remarked Shawn Calvert, a representative from Duke Energy.

Moving Forward

Authorities have confirmed that they are not aware of any other credible threats but remain on high alert. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office stated that Parsons acted alone, and no further arrests have been made.

The community continues to rebuild amid challenges, with FEMA and local responders working to restore essential services. Although concerns remain over the response time and effectiveness, efforts are ongoing to support affected residents and rebuild the devastated areas.

Sources

• The Washington Post - Alert from US Forest Service Official on Militia Activity
• Reuters - FEMA Operations and Response to Hurricane Helene
• Local News NC - Arrest Report and Community Reactions