Man accused of threatening FEMA workers with assault rifle in western North Carolina

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A man is being charged after being accused of threatening FEMA workers in western North Carolina, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

At around 12:54 p.m. on Saturday, deputies got a report of a man with an assault rifle who made a comment about possibly harming FEMA workers providing Hurricane Helene disaster relief in the area of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

Rutherford County deputies alerted Lake Lure officers and other local agencies of the threat once they were made aware of it.

Investigators went to the location where the threat was made in Polk County, obtained a description of the suspect vehicle and shared it with other law enforcement.

The suspect was later identified as William Jacob Parsons, 44, of Bostic. Parsons was taken into custody and charged with going armed to the terror of the public.

Deputies say that Parsons was armed with a handgun and rifle at the time of his arrest.

Parsons was given a $10,000 secured bond. He has since made bond and has been released from custody.

Investigators say that Parsons acted alone.

This past weekend, FEMA announced that it was making “operational adjustments” due to safety concerns.

A FEMA spokesperson told FOX8 the following.

“FEMA continues to support communities impacted by Helene and help survivors apply for assistance. For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments. Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery.”

FEMA

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s office spoke on the safety concerns in a statement on Monday:

“FEMA along with other state, federal and local response workers are working around the clock to bring assistance to western North Carolina. We are aware of significant misinformation online and reports of threats to response workers on the ground and the safety of responders must be taken seriously. The Governor has directed the Department of Public Safety to identify with local law enforcement the specific threats and rumors and coordinate with FEMA and other partners to ensure safety and security as this recovery effort continues.”

Jordan Monaghan, Deputy Communications Director for the Office of Governor Roy Cooper

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