Disclaimer: This article contains information about a criminal act and may be distressing for some readers. Please read at your own discretion.
A man seeking compensation for losses from the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire recently threatened violence at a federal claims office in northern New Mexico, leading to a brief lockdown, according to the local sheriff’s office.
The incident took place last Thursday at the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office in Mora.
The individual also directed threats towards the Roybal Mack & Cordova law firm, which is representing him in his compensation claims, as reported in a letter by lawyer Antonia Roybal-Mack.
In her letter, Roybal-Mack explained that their offices in Mora and Las Vegas had to close due to threats of physical violence.
She highlighted that while frustration over the claims process has been growing, violent actions are not acceptable.
“Such actions are not only counterproductive but also illegal,” she wrote, urging clients to maintain patience and civility.
The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, ignited by failed prescribed burns by the Forest Service in early 2022, became the largest fire in the state’s history, destroying around 1,000 structures and affecting a 534-square-mile area.
In response, Congress established a nearly $4 billion fund to compensate victims, with FEMA overseeing the distribution of funds.
Joey Romero, undersheriff of the Mora County Sheriff’s Office, mentioned that the investigation is ongoing, and charges against the man who threatened violence are still under consideration.
Romero noted that deputies interviewed the man and determined he was not a threat at the time. However, the exact reasons behind the threat remain unclear.
A spokesperson for the claims office confirmed that a “threat” was made, prompting a brief lockdown on July 18. The office resumed normal operations by 12:30 p.m. the same day.
According to the source, the incident coincided with the closure of other FEMA claims offices in the area for maintenance and other issues.
Despite these closures, claimants can still schedule appointments with navigators, and the office continues to provide updates on its Facebook page.
As of July 16, approximately $940 million of the $3.95 billion allocated by Congress had been disbursed, covering around 24% of claims from 6,010 claimants.
The pace of payments and denial of some damage claims have led to over a dozen lawsuits and continued frustration among those affected by the fire.
Roybal-Mack noted in her letter that the office is speeding up the claims process by adding more personnel, with some lawsuits potentially settling this week.
She called for a “reset button” to restore respect and cooperation among claimants, lawyers, and the federal claims office.
“Anger towards us will not move things faster,” she emphasized. Fortunately, no one was harmed during the recent incident.
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Brian Colón, a lawyer representing over 1,000 clients, urged patience with the claims process, especially with the recent appointment of Jay Mitchell as the new director of the claims office.
Colón observed positive changes since Mitchell took charge, encouraging everyone to “pump the brakes” and allow the process to unfold.