A University of Kentucky staffer has claimed Hurricane Helene was God’s was of punishing Donald Trump supporters.
Betsy Packard, an instructor in the school’s English department, has sparked outrage after she repeatedly said that Trump supporters were to blame devastating storm that as left over 100 dead in the south.
‘Hurricane Helene…what if GOD is punishing MAGA populations for their hate and hypocrisy? Works for me!,’ Packard said on Sunday alongside a wink emoji.
Packard then replied to a pollster predicting that Trump would win North Carolina, writing: ‘God just unloaded an entire can of whoopa** on you fools, and you still support Trump? WTF is wrong with you?’
Packard continued replying to X users talking about the storm throughout Sunday, repeating her apparent belief that the tragic storm was punishment against Trump supporters.
University of Kentucky staffer Betsy Packard has sparked outrage after she repeatedly said that Trump supporters were to blame devastating storm that as left nearly 100 dead
‘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 added: ‘Hey. If they got hit with An Act of God of this magnitude, God must be REALLY pissed off with MAGA.
Hurricane Helene knocked out power for millions, destroyed roads and bridges, and caused dramatic flooding from Florida to Virginia.
At least 116 people have been killed, CBS News reports.
Social media users have called for Packard to be fired over her statements.
‘If Betsy Packard is still employed by [UK] tomorrow, then fire all the administrators there,’ said one X users.
Another added: ‘Do any of you have any words for Betsy? She’s apparently a teacher at the university of Kentucky. This is only one post. This woman is sick. How can anybody have so much hate in them.’
Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Madeira Beach, Florida
A third said: ‘Will Betsy Packard be fired Monday? If not we will assume [UK] all agree with her horrific assessment of the hurricane’s path.’
A spokesperson with UK told DailyMail.com on Monday they have been made aware of Packard’s posts.
‘We have reported it to the appropriate offices on campus that review questions around conduct. Such statements are abhorrent and do not reflect our values as an institution,’ said spokesman Jay Blanton.
‘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.’
At least 116 people across several states were killed during Hurricane Helene. A North Carolina county that includes the mountain city of Asheville reported that as many as 30 people killed.
Hurricane Helene roared ashore late Thursday in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds. A weakened Helene quickly moved through Georgia, then soaked the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rains that flooded creeks and rivers and strained dams.
There have been hundreds of water rescues, including in rural Unicoi County in East Tennessee, where dozens of patients and staff were plucked by helicopter from a hospital rooftop Friday.
More than 2 million homeowners and other utility customers were still without power Sunday night.
Social media users have called for Packard to be fired over her statements
Officials warned that rebuilding from the widespread loss of homes and property would be lengthy and difficult.
The storm upended life throughout the Southeast, with deaths also were reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.
President Joe Biden described the impact of the storm as ‘stunning’ and said he would visit the area this week as long as it does not disrupt rescues or recovery work. In a brief exchange with reporters, he said the administration is giving states ‘everything we have’ to help with their response to the storm.
A handout photo made available by the North Carolina Division of Aviation showing flood damage caused by the storm that started as Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, USA, September 29, 2024
Relief efforts continue in Asheville area where a major disaster due to Hurricane Helene has left communities devastated, roads impassable and thousands without power
The storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina. One community, Spruce Pine, was doused with over 2 feet of rain from Tuesday through Saturday.
Biden on Saturday pledged federal government help for Helene’s ‘overwhelming’ devastation. He also approved a disaster declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available for affected individuals.
In Florida’s Big Bend, some lost nearly everything they own. With sanctuaries still darkened as of Sunday morning, some churches canceled regular services while others like Faith Baptist Church in Perry opted to worship outside.
