In Rutherford County, North Carolina, federal emergency response teams faced a frightening situation following Hurricane Helene. Reports surfaced on Saturday that an “armed militia” was posing a threat to recovery workers, prompting a sudden evacuation directive.
An official from the U.S. Forest Service relayed a message around 1 p.m., stating that FEMA had instructed federal agents to “stand down and evacuate” the area. According to reports, National Guard troops encountered two militia trucks claiming they were “hunting FEMA,” leading to heightened concerns.
Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
While two federal officials confirmed the warning, the authenticity of the threat remained unclear. A Forest Service representative indicated personnel was moved to a secure location, but operations resumed by Sunday afternoon.
This unsettling incident underscores the growing anxieties about the safety of government workers in the area. Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida on September 26, left a path of destruction across six states, claiming over 230 lives.
Amid recovery efforts, misinformation has circulated widely, particularly regarding FEMA’s response. A false rumor suggesting that the government intended to seize and demolish the town of Chimney Rock sparked outrage online, despite being debunked by local authorities.
Former President Donald Trump and other Republican figures criticized FEMA, alleging the agency mismanaged resources due to funds being redirected to assist migrants. FEMA has clarified that its disaster relief funds are separate from those intended for border protection.
Additionally, unfounded claims have emerged about restrictions on federal relief, such as land seizures for those receiving aid and limits on rebuilding funds. FEMA has actively pushed back against these conspiracies, launching a dedicated web page to address misinformation.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the detrimental impact of false claims on morale, encouraging affected individuals to seek governmental aid. “We have thousands of people on the ground, both federal and volunteers,” Criswell stated. “That rhetoric is demoralizing for our staff who have left their families to assist the people of North Carolina, and we will remain as long as needed.”