South Carolina sheriff speaks on threats made at FEMA workers

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright shared a message with the public regarding threats made toward FEMA workers in a video posted on the agency’s Facebook page.

On Monday, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office charged 44-year-old William Jacob Parsons , for allegedly threatening FEMA workers in Western North Carolina with an assault rifle in the area of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock.

Following a conversation with Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg of Rutherford County, Sheriff Wright shared his opinion regarding the safety of FEMA personnel. Wright began by addressing rumors on social media about a “militia” planning to attack FEMA.

“You can do whatever you want. You can pray about it if you want to, but you best not mess with none of these FEMA people cause these FEMA people go home just like you do.”

The sheriff said both agencies are taking all threats seriously and are coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

In the video, Wright also addressed his previous thoughts that were shared on social media about FEMA following Helene. He mentioned, “Since the last video I put out, it went viral, and I don’t know who heard what, but things are getting better now, so FEMA is actually trying to get it in order.”

Wright also left a response on the Facebook post defending his previous thoughts that have been shared online. He stated:

“I never have backed up on anything I simply said you weren’t gonna mess with FEMA I didn’t say FEMA wasn’t useless ’cause I think sometimes they are, but you’re still not gonna mess with none of the employees.”

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