Florida AG Ashley Moody sues FEMA for alleged bias against Trump voters
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has taken legal action against current and former FEMA officials, accusing them of instructing workers to ignore storm victims who support President-elect Trump. The lawsuit comes after reports surfaced that FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Florida were directed to skip over homes of Trump supporters in need of assistance.
According to the lawsuit, FEMA workers documented messages such as ‘Trump sign no entry per leadership’ in a government database. Whistleblowers revealed that at least 20 homes displaying Trump signs or flags were intentionally overlooked by FEMA workers in Lake Placid.
Moody emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially as Floridians continue to face the threat of damaging storms. She expressed her commitment to investigating the allegations to ensure that all storm victims receive the assistance they need, regardless of their political affiliation.
Governor Ron DeSantis echoed Moody’s sentiments, supporting the legal action taken against FEMA officials. He instructed state agencies to conduct thorough investigations and hold accountable those responsible for discriminating against Trump supporters in the aftermath of hurricanes.
In response to inquiries about the lawsuit, FEMA declined to comment on pending litigation. The agency referenced a statement issued by FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who confirmed the firing of an employee involved in the scandal.
Criswell denounced the employee’s actions as “reprehensible” and a violation of FEMA’s core values. She emphasized the agency’s commitment to assisting individuals in need regardless of their political beliefs.
The fired FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, defended her actions, claiming they were consistent with agency guidance. She refuted claims that the instructions to skip over Trump supporters were isolated incidents, alleging that FEMA is unfairly scapegoating her.
The lawsuit seeks punitive damages against Washington and Criswell in their individual capacities. It aims to hold accountable those responsible for the discriminatory actions taken against storm victims based on their political affiliations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to ensure that all individuals affected by natural disasters receive the assistance they require, without prejudice or discrimination. The pursuit of justice in this case underscores the importance of upholding fairness and integrity in emergency response efforts.
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