Photo: Sean Rayford / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Authorities in North Carolina arrested a man accused of making threats towards Federal Emergency Management Agency workers. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said that William Jacob Parsons, 44, was armed with a rifle and a handgun when he was taken into custody on misdemeanor charges of Going Armed to the Terror of the Public.
The sheriff's office began investigating the threats on Saturday after receiving a report that a white male armed with a rifle was making threats to harm FEMA employees.
As a result of the threats, a contractor that works with FEMA ordered all of its workers to cease inspections and return to their hotels, WBTV reported.
The sheriff's office also denied previous reports that an "armed militia" was heading to the area.
"It was determined Parsons acted alone, and there were no truckloads of militia going to Lake Lure," Capt. Jamie Keever, with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, said in a statement.
FEMA said that it has taken precautions following the threats, and will continue to support the disaster recovery efforts across the region.
"For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments," a FEMA spokesperson told ABC News. "Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery."