Threats against aid workers fuelled by misinformation continue to affect hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina, with workers briefly pulling out of one county over the weekend. In order to keep staff safe, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has made some changes to how it is operating in the state, it said in a statement.
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Hurricane recovery disrupted
On Saturday, police in Rutherford County arrested a man who allegedly spoke publicly about harming relief workers and was found with a rifle and a handgun. Meanwhile, a sheriff in Ashe County, about 100 miles (160km) to the south, said Fema workers briefly paused their work to assess threats they were facing. Federal workers helping North Carolina recover from Hurricane Helene have had to confront rising distrust from local residents. False conspiracy theories – many of them politically motivated – about land confiscation, cursory aid payments and deliberate weather manipulation have rapidly spread.
Reports indicate that several extremist groups are active in the area, attempting to capitalise on the disaster and the rumours. Nearly 100 people died from the storm, according to state authorities, and an unknown number are still missing in the mostly rural region, which includes the city of Asheville.
Sheriffs in Rutherford County responded to reports of what they called “credible threats” against relief workers and arrested a suspect, William Jacob Parsons, during a traffic stop on Saturday.
Mr Parsons allegedly made the threats at a local store, according to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Joseph McComas, who led the investigation Authorities seized guns, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Lt McComas said. Mr Parsons was charged with “going armed to the terror of the people,” a crime under state law punishable by a maximum of 120 days in jail, with bail set at $10,000, authorities said.
Mr Parsons’ Facebook profile included dozens of posts about Covid, vaccine and voting conspiracies, along with several posts which included the logo of the anti-government militia movement the Three Percenters. In an email to the BBC, Mr Parsons said that he is not a member of any militia and called the US government a “terrorist organization” that has “been Violating our Constitutional Rights for way (too) long”.
He denied threatening federal officials and said he was “supporting the victims and helping with loading and unloading of Water, Food, clothing and other necessities for the victims of the horrendous storm.” Lt McComas told the BBC that a single individual was behind the threats directed at aid workers in the county. Fema officials working locally were advised to move to a secure location, but returned to their usual assignments on Sunday.
There were initial reports that a “truck load of militia” were involved with the threats, but the sheriff’s office said it determined Mr Parsons acted alone. The North Carolina National Guard said on Monday that it is looking into a report that its troops encountered armed militia groups in the county, a story first reported by the Washington Post, citing an internal email.
Escalating Tensions Amid Chaos
The rise in hostility comes at a time when the need for aid is greater than ever. Hurricane Iris, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction, displacing tens of thousands of residents and leaving entire neighborhoods submerged. Power outages persist in several regions, and access to basic necessities remains limited.
Local authorities believe that the threats stem from a combination of factors: stress, frustration, and misinformation. In the aftermath of disasters, emotions often run high, and as residents struggle with the loss of homes and livelihoods, tensions with outsiders can sometimes erupt.
“People are scared and angry,” said Sheriff Dennis Harper of Jefferson Parish, one of the hardest-hit areas. “They’ve lost everything, and in some cases, they’re taking it out on the very people who are trying to help.”
Harper emphasized that the majority of residents are appreciative of the relief efforts, but the behavior of a few bad actors has created a hostile environment for aid workers. Law enforcement has ramped up patrols in high-risk areas, but the shortage of resources and widespread damage have made it difficult to provide adequate security to all relief teams.
The Impact on Aid Delivery
Several organizations have reported disruptions to their work due to safety concerns. One incident in particular involved a group of volunteers from a Texas-based charity who were distributing bottled water when they were approached by armed individuals demanding supplies. Although no one was harmed, the charity has since suspended its efforts in that area, leaving hundreds of residents without immediate access to clean drinking water.
“It’s a delicate situation,” explained Greg Rowland, director of the charity. “We want to continue helping, but we also have a responsibility to protect our staff and volunteers. We’re working with local officials to figure out how we can safely resume operations.”
Other groups, including medical teams providing emergency care, have reported similar encounters. Some hospitals and mobile clinics have had to limit their hours of operation or even temporarily close due to threats of violence.
Misinformation Fuels Distrust
Part of the problem, experts say, is the spread of misinformation in the aftermath of the hurricane. Rumors of aid being unfairly distributed or withheld have circulated on social media, further fueling tensions between residents and relief workers.
“In times of crisis, misinformation can spread like wildfire,” said Dr. Amelia Curtis, a disaster response expert at the University of Florida. “People are desperate, and when they see rumors about aid being diverted or misused, they can lash out at those who are there to help. It’s a dangerous situation for everyone involved.”
Relief organizations have been working to combat these rumors by increasing transparency and improving communication with local communities, but in some areas, the damage to trust has already been done.
A Call for Unity
Local leaders are calling for calm and cooperation as recovery efforts continue. Mayor Lisa Carver of Baton Rouge urged residents to work together with relief teams, emphasizing that the only way to rebuild is through unity.
“We understand the frustration and the pain,” Mayor Carver said in a press conference. “But threatening those who are here to help us will only slow down the recovery. We need to come together as a community and support each other in this time of need.”
Despite the challenges, many relief workers remain committed to their mission. Some have received additional security, while others have been relocated to less volatile areas. However, aid organizations stress that without widespread support and improved safety, the road to recovery could become even longer.
For those impacted by Hurricane Iris, every delay is critical. As the region faces a mounting humanitarian crisis, it’s clear that restoring peace and security for aid workers is not only necessary for their protection but vital for the recovery of the Gulf Coast.
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