Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of civil rights violations against supporters of President-elect Donald Trump following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Fort Pierce, alleges that FEMA aid workers were directed to avoid homes displaying pro-Trump yard signs in Lake Placid, Highlands County.
READ: Congress, Florida Launch Probes Into FEMA Bias Against Trump Supporters In Hurricane Relief Efforts
As the Tampa Free Press reported, a FEMA supervisor issued the directive, prompting Moody to accuse the agency of conspiracy and discrimination.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell confirmed last week that the supervisor in question, Marn’i Washington, had been terminated. Criswell condemned the supervisor’s actions as “reprehensible” and affirmed FEMA’s commitment to assisting all disaster survivors regardless of political affiliation.
Moody’s lawsuit, however, contends that the issue extends beyond Washington. The suit accuses senior FEMA officials and other staff members of conspiring to violate the civil rights of Trump supporters. It cites an interview with Washington in the Washington Examiner, in which she described herself as a “scapegoat” for higher-level decisions.
READ: Missouri Sen. Hawley Demands Investigation Into Alleged FEMA Bias Against Florida Trump Supporters
“While additional facts may come to light, it is already evident that defendant Washington acted in coordination with other FEMA officials to deny aid to Florida citizens based on their political views,” the lawsuit claims. Moody is seeking damages and a declaration that FEMA engaged in unlawful discrimination.
In her statement, Criswell emphasized that FEMA employees are dedicated to serving all Americans impartially during disasters. “One individual acted in violation of our core values by advising her team to avoid homes with Trump signs. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Criswell said.
Washington, in her interview, stated that safety concerns influenced decisions to avoid certain streets, not political bias. She claimed her team provided resources to homes with Trump signs and only skipped areas deemed potentially unsafe due to prior hostile encounters.
READ: FEMA Official Removed After Telling Relief Workers To Skip Florida Homes That Support Trump
The controversy has sparked broader scrutiny. U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., along with 54 House members, sent a letter to Criswell demanding answers about the alleged incidents. The letter asserts that at least 20 homes displaying Trump signs or flags were bypassed, depriving residents of FEMA assistance.
“Such blatant discrimination is unacceptable,” the letter reads. “FEMA has a duty to serve all Americans impartially, especially during disasters when lives and livelihoods are at risk.”
The lawsuit adds to growing calls for accountability as FEMA faces questions about its conduct and adherence to impartial service standards.
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