Tim Kennedy, a U.S. Army Green Berets Master Sergeant and Special Forces sniper, has voiced sharp criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Kennedy, known for his humanitarian missions and MMA fighting career, recently rushed to the Southeast to assist victims of the devastating hurricane.

Kennedy accused the president of obstructing crucial rescue operations for the sake of a “photo op.” He stated on Fox News’ “The Bottom Line” that the president’s arrival resulted in a “No Fly” order, preventing helicopters from carrying out rescue missions. “We had to land helicopters to not go rescue people so a photo op could take place,” Kennedy explained. He called this situation “a travesty and that’s unconscionable.”

Traveling with his NGO, Save Our Allies, which he founded, Kennedy aimed to provide much-needed assistance in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction. He lamented that his team, along with others, had to operate with minimal support from federal officials. “My heart is full to see Americans rise to the occasion like they always do, but it’s not our responsibility to have to go and answer the call like this,” he said.

Kennedy emphasized the necessity of federal leadership during disasters, asking, “Where is the federal response and the plan and the… command center that should be running all of this?”

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited affected areas separately this past week, with Biden touring storm damage in Georgia and Florida. As reported by CNN, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has now risen to 227 across six states.

Kennedy’s sentiments echo those of others, including Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who expressed disappointment in the federal response, attributing it to a “lack of leadership.”