Mayorkas condemns reported harassment of FEMA officials responding to hurricanes
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday condemned reports of online harassment of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
“We're seeing horrific hate speech of all types propagated on online platforms. That deplorable speech has an impact on people's lives and it is also a motivating force for people to do harm. And it has got to stop,” Mayorkas told reporters at a White House press briefing.
Federal officials have had to combat misinformation spreading online as they work to respond to the two major storms, which hit swaths of the southeastern U.S. False claims began circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene that devastated parts of the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.
Mayorkas spoke at the White House press briefing from North Carolina.
The claims have been refuted by FEMA, which created a page titled “Hurricane Rumor Response,” where users can see debunked rumors about the agency’s response.
The White House and officials in impacted states have for days been trying to push back on misinformation surrounding the hurricane response. The Biden administration also launched a Reddit page intended to share the facts about the response.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (N.C.), a Republican who represents a district hit by Hurricane Helene, posted a press release Tuesday debunking eight “myths” about the storm response, including multiple claims shared by former President Trump.
Mayorkas confirmed there had been at least 10 fatalities from Hurricane Milton. That number is in addition to the more than 200 who were killed by Hurricane Helene.
Date: |
-
Top stories - CBS News
FEMA leader vows "whole federal family" will respond to Hurricane Milton
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said on Wednesday that the agency has a "layered approach" to staffing.Yesterday -
Politics - The Hill
FEMA has enough money to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is not at risk of running out of money and being unable to support survivors in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, despite misinformation that has ...Yesterday -
Top stories - BBC News
Biden condemns misinformation about hurricane
BBC Verify looks into claims made about the US government's response to Hurricane Helene.Yesterday - Joe Biden -
Top stories - NBC News
FEMA reassures residents of relief efforts as officials reach Florida
FEMA officials are on the ground in Florida trying to reassure residents impacted by both Hurricane Milton and Helene, that help is available. FEMA says it is well stocked with emergency resources ...9 hours ago - Florida -
Top stories - CBS News
Hurricane expert on Milton, first responders prepare for storm
Several tornadoes have touched down in Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches the state's west coast. CBS News meteorologist and hurricane expert David Yeomans is tracking the storm, and Danny ...Yesterday -
Politics - NBC News
Biden condemns spread of 'reckless' disinformation about federal response to hurricanes
During a briefing on preparations for Hurricane Milton, President Biden denounced the "reckless, irresponsible and relentless" spread of disinformation about the federal government's response to ...Yesterday - Joe Biden -
Top stories - CBS News
Patrick Riccards on debunking Hurricane Helene FEMA misinformation
Misinformation about FEMA aid for Hurricane Helene victims continues to spread, with new conspiracy theories alleging government weather manipulation and land grabs in North Carolina. Patrick ...Yesterday -
Top stories - CBS News
FEMA administrator on Hurricane Milton concerns, preps for landfall
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell talks with "CBS Mornings" about the dangers of Hurricane Milton as it nears landfall in Florida. She advises people to listen to their local officials regarding ...Yesterday -
Top stories - CBS News
FEMA funds down ahead of Hurricane Milton as Helene response continues
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said that its disaster relief fund is down to $11 billion after it spent around $9 billion on its Hurricane Helene response. Hurricane Milton is heading toward ...21 hours ago
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
5 things to know about the TD Bank scandal
Toronto-Dominion Bank is facing unprecedented fines and penalties from U.S. officials after allegedly failing to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in drug money laundering. The bank agreed to ...16 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Evening Report — Obama, Clinton look to give Harris a jolt
{beacon} Evening Report © AP Photo/Julio Cortez Obama, Clinton look to give Harris a jolt Vice President Harris’s campaign will get a boost from two former presidents returning to the campaign ...19 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Report: World wildlife populations dropped by nearly three-quarters in 50 years
Worldwide wildlife populations have shrunk by nearly three-quarters on average over the past 50 years, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Thursday in the latest edition of its Living Planet Report. ...20 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: JD Vance hosts town hall in battleground North Carolina
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trump's running mate, is hosting a town hall Thursday in North Carolina. During the campaign event, Vance is expected to target the Biden-Harris ...20 minutes ago -
Politics - The Hill
Rome mayor responds after Macron says he'll fight to keep 'Emily in Paris' in France: 'Netflix does not take orders from heads of state'
"Emily in Paris" is sparking a très dramatique back-and-forth between the French president and the mayor of Rome, who are battling about the Netflix series potentially bidding adieu to the City of ...20 minutes ago