Recovery operations in western North Carolina are being hampered by safety concerns following threats to federal rescuers, including FEMA employees. While local officials report that no threats have surfaced in some areas, FEMA has implemented operational changes throughout the region out of prudence.
FEMA workers continue to assist people in registering for disaster relief, but some personnel have been relocated to secure areas rather than conducting door-to-door contact. This move comes after William Jacob Parsons, 44, of Bostic, was arrested and charged with threatening FEMA employees in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock locations. Deputies discovered Parson’s arme. The threats began when Parsons posted a Facebook message urging people to “overtake” the FEMA station in Lake Lure, citing social media rumors that FEMA was delaying supplies from hurricane survivors.
“We, the people, are sick and weary of this BS. We the people are looking for volunteers to help us overtake the FEMA site at Lake Lure and transport the stuff into the mountains this Saturday. We, the people, are done playing games. It’s time to express who we are and what we believe. They want to harm our citizens. “Now we’re returning the favor,” Parsons added.
When challenged about his tweet, Parsons stated that he felt FEMA was failing to assist residents in need.
“I viewed it as if our people are sitting here on American soil, and they’re refusing to aid our people,” stated the leader. “So we were going to go up there and forcefully remove that fence.”
When Parsons arrived in Lake Lure, he found the scenario was not what he had expected.
“I went up and saw that there was absolutely nothing there, so I stayed, and I volunteered all day,” he told me.
Law enforcement officers, who had already been notified of the threat, detained Parsons on the site. He believes he was only practicing his Second Amendment rights.
“They want to sit here and lie, claiming I was carrying weaponry. I had one legally possessed gun on me, sitting on the side of my hip, as well as a rifle and another handgun in my truck that were both legitimate and legal to own,” Parsons explained.
Parsons was charged with going armed to terrorize the public and eventually released on a $10,000 secured bond.
In response to the tragedy, FEMA has changed its operations throughout the region to protect both personnel and civilians. The organization highlighted that these modifications are only temporary and that they will continue to provide critical assistance to communities impacted by recent storms.
Misinformation has played a significant role in increasing tensions in western North Carolina. Some residents, influenced by bogus online reports, have denied FEMA assistance and expressed skepticism about the government’s rescue operations.
Local officials have addressed these worries, advising the public to be calm and focused on the recovery effort. The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement addressing the situation.
“We wanted to address the current difficulties with FEMA in Ashe County. As a result, they have been available to help and assist individuals in need. Threats have recently been made against the people of the mountain region. This has not occurred in Ashe County or its nearby counties. They have paused their process to examine the hazards. “Remain calm and steady during our recovery, assist others, and please do not stir the pot,” Sheriff Phil Howell stated.
The Avery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident had an impact on FEMA activities.
“We have received no credible threats or information on threats to FEMA in Avery County. We are aware of the threat made in Polk County and the fact that the suspect was apprehended in Rutherford County. It had an impact on FEMA activities here, as well as in numerous other counties, according to a representative.
Governor Roy Cooper’s office responded to both the threats and the pervasive disinformation that fuels them.
“We are aware of extensive misinformation online and allegations of threats to response workers on the ground, and the safety of responders must be first. The governor has asked the Department of Public Safety to work with local law enforcement to uncover specific threats and rumors, as well as communicate with FEMA and other partners, to guarantee safety and security while the recovery effort proceeds,” Cooper’s office stated.
Despite these hurdles, FEMA has approved disaster assistance for almost 75,000 households. Four disaster recovery centers are already operational in Buncombe, McDowell, Caldwell, and Jackson counties, with more anticipated to open in the following days.
Armed with a handgun and a rifle.
Article Source: Man accused of threatening FEMA workers in western North Carolina speaks out
