TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB) – Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking legal action against current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency officials for conspiring to discriminate against Florida hurricane victims who support President-elect Donald Trump.

According to whistleblower reports, FEMA workers in Lake Placid were directed to ignore storm victims in households that displayed Trump signs or flags.

In an interview following the allegations, fired FEMA supervisor Marni Washington argued that political discrimination by FEMA was not an isolated event and occurred across the country. To hold the agency accountable for violating Floridians’ civil rights, Attorney General Moody is taking legal action against Washington and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and seeking punitive damages in their individual capacities — as a tropical system develops in the Southwest Florida.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said: “Hurricane season is not over, and the federal emergency response agency is embroiled in scandal — caught withholding aid from Florida storm victims who support President Trump. I am taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination goes and to make sure that all Americans who fall victim to the devastating storms are served, regardless of their political affiliation.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis added: “It is unacceptable for the federal government to discriminate against Floridians who voted for Trump, and especially blatantly in the wake of a hurricane. I support this legal action by the Attorney General and have instructed state agencies to also take whatever action is necessary to investigate and ensure that those who engaged in this behavior are held accountable.”

While FEMA fired Washington and called the behavior “reprehensible,” Washington insists the agency is using her as a “scapegoat” and said similar behavior occurred in North Carolina and other areas affected by Helene and Milton. The complaint states, “While the facts will continue to emerge over the weeks and months, it is already clear that Defendant Washington conspired with senior FEMA officials to violate the civil rights of Florida citizens.”

The complaint continues with, “FEMA workers followed these instructions and entered into a government database messages such as ‘Trump does not sign any entry per leadership.’ According to the whistleblowers, “at least 20 homes with Trump signs or flags” in Lake Placid, Florida “have been ignored since late October and into November because of the guidance.”

Through this lawsuit, Attorney General Moody is asking the court to declare that the defendants conspired to interfere with the civil rights of Floridians who support Trump in violation of the Privilege Clause and the Support or Advocacy Clause of 42 USC § 1985(3). The lawsuit also seeks nominal and punitive damages against the defendants in their individual capacities. To read the action, click Here.

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