WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — ‘It is not a joke.’ That’s the message from federal leaders when it comes to misinformation and threats to FEMA workers as recovery efforts in the Southeast continue.
“There is still a persistent and dangerous flow of misinformation about recovery efforts in western North Carolina,” Gov. Roy Cooper, (D-N.C.) said.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is begging his residents to stop spreading false stories that can lead to threats.
“If you’re participating in this, stop it. It breeds confusion and demoralizes storm survivors,” Cooper said.
Monday, law enforcement arrested 44-year-old William Jacob Parsons, for allegedly threatening FEMA workers over the weekend. The FEMA workers were helping with Hurricane Helene clean up. Parsons was armed with a handgun and a rifle when he was arrested.
“The people you are really hurting are those in western North Carolina who need help,” Cooper said.
Out of an abundance of caution, FEMA relocated its disaster assistance teams and paused door-to-door operations.
“These are people who put their lives on hold to help those who have lost everything,” FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell said.
Criswell says FEMA will not be intimidated.
“The federal family has been here working side by side with the state since day one,” Criswell said.
President Joe Biden blames former President Donald Trump for helping spread much of the misinformation. Trump says he is only relaying what storm victims are telling him.
