Emergency Manager’s Harassment & Threats Expose Growing Violence Trend
In a recent episode of the Disaster Zone Podcast titled A Growing Threat of Violence Against Public Officials, concerns were raised about the increasing danger faced by emergency managers. Sadly, these concerns have been brought to light by a harrowing account from one emergency manager who became the target of harassment and threats.
The emergency manager, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their experience of planning a full-scale exercise for fire responders and healthcare agencies in Jefferson County, Kansas. The exercise was a requirement from the U.S. Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) to evaluate emergency plans. However, what was meant to be a routine exercise turned into a nightmare that exposed a disturbing trend.
As preparations were underway, the emergency manager began receiving a barrage of threats and harassment. Initially, they received 40-50 calls per day, but in the week leading up to the exercise, the number skyrocketed to over 100 calls daily. The threats and abusive messages questioned the payment of actors, accused the emergency manager of planning a false flag event, and even suggested a connection to the war in Ukraine.
The situation escalated further when emails from a person named Phil Shifley raised concerns, leading to the cancellation of the exercise. The emergency manager reported these incidents to various agencies, including the Kansas Fusion Center, Kansas Bureau of Investigations, the F.B.I., and their local Sheriff Department. While the agencies acknowledged the veiled threats, without direct evidence, their ability to investigate further was limited.
The emergency manager identified September 24, 2022, as a significant date for conspiracy groups due to a speech made by German politician Friedrich Merz about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This connection added to the mounting pressure and intensity of the threats.
The situation took a global turn as the emergency manager received calls and emails from around the world, including various U.S. states, Canada, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Europe. These communications contained references to activities linked to Antifa-type events. Some calls were blocked from displaying caller IDs, making it difficult to trace their origins.
To ensure personal safety, the emergency manager heeded the advice of their Sheriff and carried a firearm during the exercise. Additionally, they personally visited the advertised exercise location to check for any suspicious activity. On the original date, two suspicious vehicles with blacked-out windows entered the fire station area but quickly left upon realizing there was no exercise in progress. One vehicle had no identifiable license plates, while the other had Canadian plates.
While the emails ceased after September 24, the emergency manager continued to receive phone calls until the end of October. Reflecting on the experience, they learned not to openly discuss training exercises on social media and to only request assistance from known volunteers.
The account starkly demonstrates the vulnerability of emergency managers to harassment and threats. It highlights the need for increased awareness and protection for these vital public officials who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of their communities. The emergence of online platforms and social media amplifies the risks they face, with false information and conspiracy theories easily spreading and inciting harm.
Efforts must be made to support emergency managers and provide them with the tools and resources required to mitigate these threats. It is vital to address the growing trend of violence targeting public officials before it escalates further. By doing so, we can protect those who dedicate their lives to managing emergencies and safeguarding our communities.
