Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief efforts were temporarily disrupted in parts of North Carolina over the weekend due to reported threats against responders, including armed militias.
Government officials were forced to evacuate Rutherford County on Saturday following reports of armed civilians “hunting” for FEMA workers.
An email from a U.S. Forest Service official warned that National Guard troops encountered two truckloads of armed militia making these threats. Officials were given the all-clear to return by Sunday.
READ: North Carolina Hurricane Survivor Blasts Biden, Feels Betrayed Admin Put Migrants Before Americans
This incident follows a similar disruption in Ashe County, where in-person applications for aid were paused on Sunday due to threats in the region. Sheriff B. Phil Howell confirmed the pause, emphasizing the need for calm and cooperation during the recovery process. Services are expected to resume on Monday.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by relief workers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating flooding and landslides in the mountainous region of North Carolina.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell expressed concern last week that misinformation is affecting the morale of emergency workers, urging those in the hardest-hit areas to accept the government’s aid.
READ: Beyond Asheville: Widespread Devastation in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene
“We have thousands of people on the ground, not just federal, but also our volunteers in the private sector,” Criswell said at a news conference in Asheville. “And frankly, that type of rhetoric is demoralizing to our staff that have left their families to come here and help the people of North Carolina. And we will be here as long as they’re needed.”
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