FEMA pulls workers out of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward after threats of violence

Spencer S. Hsu:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency pulled all its workers out of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward on Friday after threats of violence and requested National Guard troops and additional police support, a FEMA spokeswoman said.

A spokeswoman for Mayor Ray Nagin denied the account.

The Lower Ninth Ward was reopened Thursday; it was the last neighborhood in the city to remain closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Residents, who had been limited to bus tours, were allowed to re-enter homes, inspect damage and retrieve items but not stay in the area, which lacks electricity.

But U.S. Army Corps of Engineers workers near the levees and FEMA workers - who were helping move debris, set up disaster service centers and coordinate relief - received numerous threats and 20 were withdrawn, said FEMA spokeswoman Nicol Andrews.

Andrews said National Guard and local law enforcement will increase their presence in the area to permit FEMA workers to resume their duties.

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