Man charged with making threats against FEMA workers in North Carolina
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A Bostic man faces charges after a threat was made against Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers responding to the Helene disaster in North Carolina.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office says a call came into the Rutherford County Communications Center on Saturday, saying a white male had an assault rifle and made a comment about harming FEMA employees working in the hard-hit Lake Lure/Chimney Rock area.
CHIMNEY ROCK CREWS WORK TO REBUILD TOWN, DEBUNK ONLINE RUMORS
The sheriff's office said the suspect, 44-year-old William Parsons, made the threat at a gas station. Authorities say the comments were relayed to nearby soldiers, who called the sheriff's office to report the threat.
Authorities say other agencies with relief workers in the area were made aware of the threat.
The sheriff's office said Parson's acted alone, contrary to initial reports, and was armed with a handgun and a rifle.
"The initial report stated there was a truck load of militia that was involved," a statement from the sheriff's office said. "However, after further investigation, it was determined Parsons acted alone and there were no truck loads of militia going to Lake Lure."
Parsons was charged with going armed to the terror of the public and released on a $10,000 bond, according to the sheriff's department.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER REJECTS 'OUTRAGEOUS' CONSPIRACY THEORIES ABOUT HELENE RESPONSE IN NC
FEMA External Affairs Director Mike Cappannari came to News 13's studio on Sunday, Oct. 13, to address safety concerns for crews on the ground, but didn't specify what threat was made.
"As we work with law enforcement to run down the validity of any type of concern that's ever expressed with regards to safety, as we're doing here and we'll continue to do that, we'll also continue to provide that assistance,"Cappannari said.
He went on to say that FEMA was "focused and committed" to helping the people of Western North Carolina.