William Jacob Parsons, 44, was arrested in North Carolina after making threatening comments about harming FEMA employees involved in hurricane relief efforts in the state. The initial report was made by a soldier who witnessed the threats in a store in Rutherford County. Parsons was arrested with a handgun and a rifle and charged with “Going Armed to the Terror of the Public.” FEMA made operational adjustments in response to the threats. An alert claimed that armed militia trucks were hunting FEMA responders, but officials have not been able to verify this claim. Parsons acted alone and there were no trucks of militia heading to Lake Lure. Parsons’ social media posts indicate he may be associated with the far-right militia movement “III Percenter.” FEMA has resumed operations in response to the threats, and disaster recovery centers remain open for assistance. Parsons’ arrest is part of a wave of misinformation and harassment aimed at government officials and FEMA responders in the area. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety and FEMA have dedicated resources to combating misinformation. Previous President Donald Trump has shared misinformation related to FEMA’s operations. Antisemitic attacks have targeted FEMA officials and government officials involved in disaster relief efforts.
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