BURNSVILLE, N.C. — Federal law enforcement officers have been deployed to Yancey County to provide security for search crews, according to a statement released by the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday.
The presence of federal teams in the area had raised questions from local residents. In a social media post, the sheriff’s office clarified that the officers are not there to enforce laws or take control of local operations. Their sole responsibility is to ensure the safety of the teams conducting the search efforts.
“These teams are here solely to provide security for the search crews working on the ground,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement.
Details on the search operation were not provided, and it remains unclear what incident prompted the large-scale effort. Local authorities have expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and support during the ongoing situation.
Further information is expected as the search continues.