Emergency Workers Evacuated in North Carolina Due to Armed Militia Threats Amid Hurricane Response

 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation in North Carolina, government emergency workers were relocated over the weekend due to fears of potential threats from armed militia groups. An internal email from a U.S. Forest Service official, obtained by the Washington Post, revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advised all federal responders in Rutherford County to evacuate immediately.

The email indicated that National Guard soldiers had encountered two trucks of armed militia reportedly "hunting FEMA." This alarming situation arises as the Appalachian region, particularly the towns of Rutherfordton, Forest City, and Chimney Rock, faces severe flooding that has resulted in significant destruction, including lost homes and road damage.

The response to Hurricane Helene has become increasingly politicized, providing an opportunity for extremist groups, including white supremacist organizations, to gain a foothold in areas where government emergency services are struggling to provide aid. Reports have surfaced of groups like Patriot Front actively participating in recovery efforts in North Carolina and Florida, framing their actions as community support while pushing their agenda.

FEMA has long been a target of baseless conspiracy theories, especially from far-right factions. In recent weeks, officials coordinating the hurricane response have encountered misinformation campaigns, including claims that the government manipulated the hurricane to facilitate land seizures for lithium mining projects.

Tensions between local residents and emergency workers have been reported, with some residents expressing anti-government sentiments, resulting in harassment of FEMA personnel. Riva Duncan, a former Forest Service official, noted that many in need of assistance are refusing help due to widespread distrust fueled by disinformation. "It's sad because they are probably the ones who need the help the most," Duncan stated.

In response to the threats, FEMA altered its operational strategies, halting door-to-door outreach and focusing on fixed locations for aid distribution to ensure the safety of staff and survivors.

Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the issue of disinformation during remarks to a North Carolina congregation, highlighting the detrimental impact it has on community trust and access to vital information. "There are some who are not acting in the spirit of community... spreading disinformation when the truth and fact are required," she said, emphasizing the need for accurate information to aid those affected.

As the situation continues to unfold, aid organizations have flooded into the area to assist recovery efforts, amidst a backdrop of increasing hostility towards federal responders. Local authorities have confirmed incidents of threats against FEMA personnel, underscoring the challenging environment for emergency services in the region.