**Man Arrested for Allegedly Threatening FEMA Workers in Rutherford County**

A 44-year-old man from Bostic, NC, has been arrested for allegedly threatening to harm Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office announced Monday. The suspect, identified as William Parsons, was armed with both a handgun and a rifle when apprehended.

The incident took place on Saturday, prompting law enforcement to investigate reports in the vicinity of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Witnesses reported a white male armed with an assault rifle, who made threatening comments about potentially harming FEMA workers. Using the information provided by witnesses, deputies were able to locate and identify Parsons, who was found in possession of the weapons.

Parsons was charged with "going armed to the terror of the public," a serious offense under North Carolina law. He was released the same day after posting a $10,000 bond, according to the sheriff's office.

Initial reports suggested a larger threat, involving a truckload of militia, but further investigation revealed that Parsons acted alone. There were no additional threats or militia groups heading toward Lake Lure, according to the statement from the sheriff's office.

The arrest comes in the wake of ongoing threats against FEMA employees in North Carolina. Ashe County Sheriff Phil Howell, about two hours north of Rutherford County, revealed on Facebook that threats had been made against FEMA staff responding to Hurricane Helene. While cautioning that these threats had not affected Ashe County or its neighboring areas, Sheriff Howell noted that FEMA had paused its operations to assess the risks.

Federal authorities have been grappling with consistent threats and misinformation targeting FEMA personnel during the hurricane response. As a precaution, disaster survivor assistance teams are now operating from fixed locations and secure areas rather than conducting door-to-door missions.

FEMA continues to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that survivors register for assistance and receive necessary aid. Despite the threats, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell emphasized the agency's commitment to maintaining the safety of its staff while aiding the recovery process for North Carolina residents. Criswell condemned the threats as a "shame" and a "distraction," stressing that the safety of FEMA employees remains a top priority.

Sheriff Howell confirmed that FEMA locations in Ashe County remain open and operational for the week.