Recent hurricanes in the United States have sparked a wave of disinformation, leading to threats against federal emergency workers and meteorologists. After Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, armed militia threatened government workers, prompting forestry workers to halt operations in some areas. An armed suspect was arrested for making threats against FEMA employees, but officials confirmed he acted alone, not as part of a larger group.
The intense hurricane season has heightened tensions, with meteorologists facing death threats for discussing climate change. Conspiracy theories and misinformation on social media have complicated recovery efforts, hindering relief work. Despite the challenges, FEMA has provided financial aid and shelter to thousands of affected households, with support from active-duty soldiers and federal funding for repairs.
FEMA has urged the public to ignore harmful conspiracies and seek assistance through its “Disaster Distress Helpline.” President Biden visited affected areas to assess the damage and offer support, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing assistance over political rhetoric.