On October 10, the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division’s engineering battalion was engaged in relief efforts in the Hurricane Helene disaster area of North Carolina, focusing on clearing homes and providing assistance. However, recent events have raised serious concerns for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel in the region.
Reports from CNN on October 14 revealed that the impact of Hurricane Helene has led to significant challenges in North Carolina, with threats directed at FEMA workers causing relief operations to come to a sudden halt over the weekend. A man was arrested after allegedly making threats to harm FEMA staff during this critical time.
Sheriff B. Phil Howell of Ashe County took to Facebook to address the situation, explaining that, for safety reasons, FEMA’s relief efforts, including assistance applications at multiple sites, were temporarily suspended. He urged the community to remain calm during the recovery process and to support one another rather than create further conflict.
According to reports, relief applications were expected to resume on October 14. Ashe County, located near the borders of Tennessee and Virginia, experienced severe flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Helene last month, resulting in over 100 fatalities and significantly impacting thousands of residents.
By October 12, FEMA’s relief efforts in Rutherford County also faced suspension after media reports indicated that members of the National Guard had encountered armed militia threatening to “hunt down” FEMA workers. The Washington Post confirmed the validity of these threats, prompting FEMA to change their operational strategy to provide assistance from fixed locations instead of conducting door-to-door visits.
Rutherford County officials reported that the initial call came in regarding a “truckload of militia” threatening violence. An investigation later identified William Jacob Parsons as the sole suspect. After his arrest, Parsons faced misdemeanor charges for armed threats against the public; he was found in possession of a handgun and a rifle.
Further inquiry revealed that a man with an assault rifle had threatened FEMA personnel working in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area. Thanks to tips regarding the suspect’s vehicle, authorities apprehended Parsons on the afternoon of October 12 outside a supermarket designated as a temporary disaster relief site.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced that Parsons was released on a $10,000 bond following his arrest.
