**FACT CHECK: Viral Claim That Sen. Thom Tillis Told Hurricane Helene Victims to 'Pray the Water Away' Is FAKE**
FACT CHECK: Viral Claim That Sen. Thom Tillis Told Hurricane Helene Victims to ‘Pray the Water Away’ Is FAKE
Rumor: A screenshot of a purported X (formerly Twitter) post from Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) is circulating on Facebook and TikTok. The alleged post reads: “Western NC, stop whining and start praying. If you are truly faithful, God will part the floodwaters. It’s the woke FEMA that’s blocking the miracle.” The post is timestamped Sept. 29, 2024, and features a photoshopped profile picture of the senator.
Verdict: FAKE ❌
The Facts:
- No Record Exists: A search of Senator Tillis’s official X/Twitter timeline, as well as his official press releases and public statements from late September through early October 2024, shows NO such post. His actual posts during the period of Hurricane Helene focused on federal emergency declarations, coordinating search and rescue, and urging constituents to donate blood.
- The Photo is Doctored: The profile picture used in the fake screenshot is a low-resolution image taken from a parody account, not the official @SenThomTillis handle.
- Context of Response: In reality, Senator Tillis has been one of the most vocal Republican senators calling for more federal aid, not less. He publicly thanked FEMA and asked for “no red tape” in response to the destruction in his home state.
Bottom Line: The quote is a fabricated attempt to smear the senator as out-of-touch during a humanitarian crisis. Do not share the fake screenshot.