Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a federal suit alleging FEMA Director Deanne Criswell and FEMA reservist Marn’i Washington had violated civil rights by denying service to anyone displaying Trump banners or signs.
The complaint states, “While the facts will continue coming out in the weeks to come, it is already obvious that Defendant Washington conspired to violate civil rights for Florida citizens with senior FEMA officials and those who carried out her orders.”
The lawsuit was filed in Fort Pierce federal court on Wednesday. It asks for an unspecified amount of damages as well as a declaration that two FEMA officials conspired unlawfully to violate Floridians’ civil rights.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) said in a statement that it was unacceptable for the federal to discriminate against Floridians, who voted for Trump. This is especially outrageous after a hurricane. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said this in a press release.
“I support this legal action taken by the Attorney General’s Office. I’ve instructed state agencies to take all necessary actions to investigate this matter and hold those responsible accountable.”
The story began when a whistleblower leaked internal FEMA communications, after being ordered to avoid homes that displayed items supporting President-elect Trump’s candidacy.
The supervisor, who in imitation of a The Wire episode documented a criminal plot to violate the civil rights of Trump supporters, confirmed in two television interviews, including the most recent one today, that she was simply following agency policy. She said that workers were instructed to treat Trump supporters’ homes as if they were inhabited by vicious dogs.
I’m not certain this is the defense that she believes will win.
Florida’s lawsuit and an incoming Trump Administration should help to determine how FEMA’s mission statement fits in with punishing political opposition.
