Threats of violence against FEMA workers and dangerous misinformation have endangered lives of those providing critical services in North Carolina as well as hurricane victims.
Rightwing extremists and politicians have made false allegations that FEMA was withholding aid to hurricane victims. AFGE, which represents about 4,000 employees at FEMA, calls for an end to the lies so employees could focus on serving the American people.
“Our members at FEMA have been targeted by vile and baseless conspiracy theories and lies spread by rightwing extremists. Not only are these types of rhetoric an affront to our sense of shared decency and civic values, but they also undermine the ability to deliver assistance to those who need it the most,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley.
“Words have consequences, and the fact that the rhetoric has caused actual threats of violence should inspire a moment of reflection for those parroting these absurd, dangerous, and outright lies,” he added.
The false allegations led to threats against FEMA officials, prompting the agency to pause some work and relocate personnel due to safety concerns. An armed man who made threats against FEMA workers was arrested. He told reporters he acted on social media reports that FEMA had intentionally withheld supplies for hurricane victims.
“FEMA employees leave their families, working in dangerous conditions to provide emergency assistance before, during and, after horrific weather disasters. These workers should be able to do their jobs without threats from those who have bought into the lies of politicians choosing to exploit disasters by fearmongering to gain votes,” Kelley added.
