Armed North Carolina man charged with threatening FEMA officials working in aftermath of Helene

Josh Shaffer and Lexi Solomon, The News & Observer on Oct 14, 2024

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Sheriff’s deputies near Lake Lure and Chimney Rock have arrested a 44-year-old man for threatening FEMA officials working in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

In a Monday news release, officials in Rutherford County said initial reports described truckloads of militia in the area, as was reported in several national media outlets.

They now believe William Jacob Parsons of Bostic, North Carolina, acted alone.

Speaking in Caldwell County on Monday, FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell confirmed there had been a “credible threat” to workers in Western North Carolina since Helene.

That team was pulled out of the area because of the threat, but Criswell said it only affected “one part of our mission” and would resume soon.

“There’s been a lot of misinformation, and it’s just not OK, right?” Criswell said. “The misinformation is just not OK, and any threats to anybody, and especially when we’re faced with a situation where people have such great need, is really hurtful, and it just detracts from the ability to make sure we are meeting people where we are.

“It’s heartbreaking to see people want to spread lies and hatred that impacts their ability to recover,” she continued. “We are here to support the people of North Carolina. We are going to continue to be here to support the people of North Carolina. But we will take anything we deem a credible threat seriously, and I just appreciate the ongoing partnership with Gov. (Roy) Cooper and local law enforcement to make sure that we understand all the facts as well.”

A man with a rifle talking about harming FEMA agents

On Saturday, deputies said, an emergency call came into Rutherford County saying a man with an assault rifle was talking about harming FEMA agents.

Deputies and police tracked the threat to nearby Polk County, where they got a description of the suspect’s car and later his license tag number.

Parsons, carrying a rifle and handgun, was charged with going armed to the terror of the public, a misdemeanor. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.

FEMA’s response in NC after Helene

Chimney Rock suffered some of the worst damage from Helene after a wall of water took out most of Main Street. Debris filled Lake Lure, much of it destroyed buildings.

Since then, the town has also fought false rumors that government officials had seized it to obtain lithium — one of many bits of misinformation surrounding the storm.

“What we are doing here in North Carolina is working,” Criswell said. “We are getting people the assistance that they need to help with their recovery process, and as of today, FEMA has provided more than $96 million to individuals across Western North Carolina.

“Just because you don’t see somebody in a FEMA shirt does not mean FEMA has not been on the ground supporting,” she continued. “We are just one part of the team, and we bring in the full federal team to help support.”

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