FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) temporarily halted some aid operations in western North Carolina due to threats directed at government workers, according to local officials. The area is still reeling from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, but these security concerns have slowed relief efforts in some mountain communities.

In Ashe County, local emergency management reported that FEMA workers were instructed to stop accepting in-person applications for federal assistance in the towns of Lansing and Riverview over the weekend. Although Ashe County itself wasn’t the source of the threats, officials clarified that the order affected FEMA workers across the state. “It is our understanding that all FEMA reps in NC were stood down due to threats occurring in some counties (not Ashe),” the Ashe County Emergency Management Department said in a social media post. The department also announced that FEMA workers would return to process applications on Monday.

Sheriff B. Phil Howell of Ashe County urged residents to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions. “Help folks and please don’t stir the pot,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation during the recovery process.

More serious threats were reported in Rutherford County, about 90 miles south of Ashe County. According to The Washington Post, federal emergency personnel were forced to relocate after encountering threats from an armed militia. The National Guard reportedly discovered two trucks with armed individuals claiming they were “hunting FEMA.” As a result, federal responders were ordered to evacuate the county immediately. A senior FEMA official confirmed that workers have shifted operations to secure Disaster Recovery Centers rather than going door to door.

Compounding the issue is the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about FEMA’s work. False claims circulating online include rumors that the federal government is seizing land or restricting airspace during rescue missions. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell expressed concern that these misleading stories could deter survivors from applying for much-needed assistance. “I worry that they won’t apply for assistance, which means I can’t get them the necessary items they need to support them,” she said.

Despite the setbacks, FEMA remains committed to helping communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Operations will continue at Disaster Recovery Centers where staff can safely assist survivors.