In a controversial series of statements, Betsy Packard, a former staff member of the University of Kentucky, has suggested that Hurricane Helene was a divine retribution against supporters of Donald Trump.
Packard's comments, which have sparked widespread outrage, insinuated that the catastrophic storm, which has claimed over 100 lives in the southern states, was a punishment for the alleged hate and hypocrisy of Trump's followers.
According to the Daily Mail, Packard took to social media on Sunday to express her contentious views. "Hurricane Helene...what if GOD is punishing MAGA populations for their hate and hypocrisy? Works for me!," she posted, punctuating her message with a wink emoji. Responding to a pollster's prediction of Trump's victory in North Carolina, Packard wrote, "God just unloaded an entire can of whoopa** on you fools, and you still support Trump? WTF is wrong with you?"
Throughout Sunday, Packard continued to engage with social media users discussing the storm, reiterating her belief that the disaster was a divine punishment for Trump supporters. "An Act of God hammered you, and you still didn't hear Him? God is obviously mighty pissed at MAGAs. How can you not see this?" she questioned.
Packard's comments have drawn the attention of her former employer, the University of Kentucky. A spokesperson for the university confirmed to DailyMail.com that they were aware of Packard's posts. The spokesperson also clarified that Packard had not been employed at the university since 2022, when she served as a teaching assistant.
In a statement, university spokesman Jay Blanton condemned Packard's comments. "Such statements are abhorrent and do not reflect our values as an institution," he said. "Our thoughts and concerns are with those impacted by these devastating storms. As an institution, we have many members of our community directly impacted by them and are working with them to provide support and resources at this time."
Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc from Florida to Virginia, left millions without power, destroyed infrastructure, and caused severe flooding. The death toll stands at 116, as reported by CBS News.
Packard's comments have sparked a wave of backlash on social media, with many users calling for her dismissal. One user wrote, "If Betsy Packard is still employed by [UK] tomorrow, then fire all the administrators there." Another user questioned, "Will Betsy Packard be fired Monday? If not we will assume [UK] all agree with her horrific assessment of the hurricanes path."
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has been widespread. The storm, which made landfall late Thursday in Floridas Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane, quickly moved through Georgia, soaking the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rains that flooded creeks and rivers and strained dams. The storm has also caused significant loss of homes and property, with officials warning that the rebuilding process will be lengthy and difficult.
President Joe Biden described the impact of the storm as 'stunning' and pledged federal government help for the 'overwhelming' devastation. He also approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available for affected individuals.
The storm has disrupted life throughout the Southeast, with deaths reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. In North Carolina, the storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century. One community, Spruce Pine, was doused with over 2 feet of rain from Tuesday through Saturday.
In the aftermath of the storm, many have lost nearly everything they own. Some churches canceled regular services while others, like Faith Baptist Church in Perry, opted to worship outside. Amidst the devastation and controversy, the focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, as well as providing support for those affected by this catastrophic event.
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