William Jacob Parsons, a 44-year-old man from North Carolina has been charged for armed public intimidation. He was charged for his comments about possibly harming Federal Emergency Management Agency workers, who had been helping with relief and rescue efforts following Hurricane Helene in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock areas.
Investigators were able to identify Jacob Parsons after receiving details about the vehicle he was driving, including its description and license plate number. This was achieved with assistance from other law enforcement agencies.
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According to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, Parsons was found to be armed with both a handgun and a rifle. He has since been released after posting a secured bond of $10,000.
What exactly was Jacob Parsons charged with?
Initially, authorities reported that a group of militia members were involved in the incident. However, after a thorough investigation, it was concluded that Parsons acted alone and that there was no militia presence planning to target FEMA workers in Lake Lure.
A U.S. Forest Service official informed other federal agencies that
“FEMA has advised all federal responders (in) Rutherford County, NC, to stand down and evacuate the county immediately.”
The message went on to state that National Guard troops
“Had come across x2 trucks of armed militia saying there were out hunting FEMA.”
Later, however, in a press release by the Rutherford County Sherrif's Office, it was stated that Jacob Parsons acted alone and was charged with 'Going Armed to the Terror of the Public'.
According to the release document, Jacob Parson was later taken to the Rutherford County Sheriff's Detention Center, where he received a secured bond of $10,000. Officials have reported that he has since posted bail and been released from custody.
Why did Jacob Parsons plan to threaten FEMA workers?
While the reason for Jacob Parson's actions aren't entirely clear, they could be linked to the fact that FEMA efforts in the region have been overshadowed by widespread misinformation and conspiracy theories, including unfounded claims that the federal government intended to “bulldoze and seize” Chimney Rock.
FEMA had been receiving mixed reactions from the public for the past month on claims that the federal government is taking land from storm survivors, offering only $750 to those who lost their homes, and restricting airspace during search and rescue missions. It has now refuted these claims.
According to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, these false narratives have negatively affected both on-ground volunteers and the families in need, as she highlighted in a press conference earlier this month.
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