A man in North Carolina, William Jacob Parsons, was arrested for making threatening comments about harming FEMA employees involved in hurricane relief efforts. He was reported by a witness and arrested by law enforcement carrying a handgun and rifle. Parsons paid bond and was released. There were false claims and conspiracy theories circulating about FEMA’s operations in the area. The North Carolina National Guard did not find any evidence of armed militia hunting FEMA. Parsons has ties to a far-right, anti-government militia movement and posted anti-vaccine and pro-Trump content on social media. FEMA has adjusted its operations in response to threats against its staff and disaster survivors. There have been instances of misinformation, harassment, and antisemitic attacks against government officials involved in disaster relief efforts. FEMA and other agencies are working to address and combat false information. Former President Trump has also contributed to spreading misinformation about FEMA’s activities.
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