The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that a man was arrested and charged with threatening to harm Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers in the area.
William Parsons, 44, of Bostic, NC, was charged with “going armed in fear of the public,” according to a statement from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to ABC News.
A statement from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office said deputies on Saturday investigated reports in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area of ”a white male with an assault rifle and harming FEMA personnel.” Witnesses were able to provide enough information for law enforcement to locate and identify Parsons, who was ultimately armed with a handgun and a rifle, according to the statement.
Parsons was released Saturday after posting $10,000 bond, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
“The initial report said there was a militia truck involved. However, upon further investigation, it was determined that Parsons acted alone and there were no militia trucks on their way to Lake Lure,” the statement said.
According to SITE Intelligence, which monitors the online activity of extremist organizations, Parsons has promoted the Three Percenters militia group online.
In this Sept. 30, 2024, file photo, a member of the FEMA response team works with a member of the guard at the Crooked Creek Fire Department near Old Fort after Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, NC.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images, FILE
News of the arrest came a day after the sheriff in Ashe County, N.C., about two hours north of Rutherford County, said there had been threats against FEMA workers responding to Hurricane Helene.
“Recently in the mountain region, threats have been made against them,” Ashe County Sheriff Phil Howell Posted on Facebook Regarding alleged threats against FEMA employees.
“This has not happened in Ashe County or surrounding counties,” Howell added. “Out of an abundance of caution, the process has been suspended while the threats are assessed.”
Sheriff Howell has not specified who allegedly made the threats in his post, and it is not known if Parsons’ alleged threat is the one Sheriff Howell was referring to. ABC News’ request for comment to the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office was not immediately responded to.
Threats to FEMA employees have been consistent during the Hurricane response, along with misinformation, federal officials told ABC News.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing in the affected areas, a federal source told ABC News. However, as FEMA assesses potential threat information, disaster survivor support teams are working in fixed locations and safe zones rather than going door-to-door, out of an abundance of caution, the source said, adding that FEMA will monitor threat information and make adjustments. to this attitude regularly coordinated with the local officials.
A FEMA spokesperson told ABC News that the agency is continuing to support communities affected by Helen and help survivors seek help.
“For the safety of our dedicated workers and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made a number of operational adjustments,” the spokesperson said. “Disaster Recovery Centers will remain open as planned, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina recover.”
Sheriff Howell said FEMA locations in Ashe County are open this week.
“Stay calm and steady in our recovery, help people and please don’t stir the pot,” he said.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell speaks via video with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the White House on October 9, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told ABC News Friday at a press conference that the threats against FEMA employees are “an embarrassment” and a “distraction.”
“We’re constantly monitoring the social networks, channels, other outlets where we’re seeing this information because we want to make sure we’re providing the safest environment for our employees, and we want to make sure they know their safety is our number one priority, especially when they go out into these communities.” , Criswell said in response to a question from ABC News.
FEMA recruits people from local communities when disaster strikes, Criswell said, noting that “many” leave their families behind to help disaster-stricken communities.
