Man arrested as threats on FEMA hinder Helene relief
The agency temporarily suspended door-to-door operations as a result of the threats
What happened
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said Monday it had temporarily suspended some operations in western North Carolina over the weekend, including door-to-door visits, as it assessed threats against disaster workers. An armed man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly threatened to harm FEMA workers in areas hit hard by Hurricane Helene, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
Who said what
William Jacob Parsons, 44, was arrested outside a grocery store functioning as a relief center on misdemeanor charges of "going armed to the terror of the public," and released on a $10,000 bond, the sheriff's office said. Despite earlier reports, authorities determined that "Parsons acted alone and there was no truck loads of militia going to Lake Lure."
National Guard troops in the area had come across "trucks of armed militia saying they were out hunting FEMA," a Forest Service official assisting in Helene recovery work had warned FEMA, The Washington Post said. FEMA reportedly resumed normal operations Monday.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"We know that significant misinformation online contributes to threats against response workers on the ground," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) said on Monday. Some people "in need of assistance who are entitled to assistance" are not "seeking it because of the false information," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation."
What next?
The rampant false information about FEMA's response, spread largely by Donald Trump and his allies, has prompted the Biden administration to "ramp up social media posts from government accounts with photos illustrating how federal workers are clearing debris and dispensing aid," CNN said.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Canada and India expel top diplomats in growing rift
Speed Read Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there is 'clear and compelling evidence' of crimes
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - October 15, 2024
Cartoons Tuesday's cartoons - the blame game, an island paradise, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Capture precious family memories with The Week Junior
Encourage your kids to record an interview with their grandparents - download our free guide today
By The Week Junior Published
-
India and Canada expel diplomats amid murder row
Speed Read New Delhi denies allegations linking Indian intelligence services to assassination of Sikh separatist last year
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
The CIA is openly recruiting foreign spies in other countries
In the Spotlight The agency is posting instructions in multiple languages for people to contact them
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'People want to understand food — but only to a point'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Nobody sees themselves in the word 'other'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Arizona kicks off swing-state early voting
Speed Read The voting began with less than a month to go before the presidential election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden, Netanyahu talk ahead of Israeli hit on Iran
Speed Read The pair spoke for the first time since August
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
What power does Elon Musk hold as a campaigner?
Talking Points The world's richest man is going all in to get Donald Trump elected in November — whether it will make a difference is entirely unclear
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published