Florida files discrimination lawsuit against FEMA, accusing it of denying aid to Trump supporters

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell and a former FEMA administrator for violating the civil rights of Florida residents. hurricanes helene And MiltonIt struck in late September and early October.

federal lawsuit It accuses FEMA officials of conspiring to discriminate against Florida hurricane victims who supported President-elect Donald Trump.

Criswell and former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington are named in the lawsuit. who was fired Following reports that he directed FEMA workers in Lake Placid, Florida, to pass over homes displaying Trump campaign signs and flags. After Hurricane Milton.

“Hurricane season is far from over, and the federal agency responsible for emergency response is embroiled in scandal for withholding aid from storm victims in Florida who support President Trump,” Moody, a Republican, said.

“I am taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination goes and to ensure that all Americans who are victims of devastating storms are served regardless of their political affiliation.”

Following reports of the incident, Criswell He called Washington’s behavior “reprehensible” and drove him out. He said Washington’s directive was “a clear violation of FEMA’s core values ​​and principles of helping people regardless of their political affiliation.”

But the old chief in an interview He claimed on media commentator Roland Martin’s digital show that he was following standard protocol to avoid hostility on the field.

The incident comes just days after conspiracy theories about FEMA spread after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeast, prompting threats of physical violence against FEMA workers in North Carolina. agency Shortening door-to-door field operations It’s there for a short time.

A spokesperson for FEMA said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis supports the lawsuit and says he has directed other state agencies to investigate and “ensure those who engage in this conduct are held accountable.”

Criswell’s faces congressional review and on topic. He is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee next Tuesday.

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