The suit names former FEMA supervisor Marn’i Washington, who has since been dismissed, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell as defendants
Moody is seeking punitive damages against both in their individual capacities, citing potential violations of civil rights.
“Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency responsible for emergency response is now accused of withholding aid from Florida storm victims based on political affiliation,” Moody said. “This lawsuit is a step toward accountability and ensuring that emergency assistance is provided fairly to all Americans, regardless of their political views.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis condemned the behavior, calling it “unacceptable.” He expressed support for Moody’s actions and directed state agencies to investigate further.
“It’s egregious for the federal government to discriminate against Floridians who voted for Trump, particularly in the aftermath of a hurricane,” he said.
“New leadership is on the way in DC, and I’m optimistic that these partisan bureaucrats will be fired,” DeSantis recently said.
The legal complaint cites specific instructions reportedly issued by Washington for FEMA workers to “avoid homes advertising Trump.” An alleged whistleblower account details that at least 20 homes in Lake Placid displaying Trump signs were skipped by FEMA workers between late October and early November.
Washington, in a statement following her dismissal, claimed FEMA was using her as a “scapegoat,” insisting the issue was widespread and not limited to Florida.
Similar discrimination, she alleged, occurred in other states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
FEMA, while distancing itself from Washington’s actions, has described the alleged behavior as “reprehensible.”
The agency is facing heightened scrutiny as Moody’s lawsuit seeks to reveal the extent of the alleged discrimination and aims to secure a court ruling against political bias in emergency response.
Moody’s legal action invokes 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3), alleging a conspiracy to interfere with Floridians’ civil rights through selective emergency response practices.
The complaint seeks both nominal and punitive damages and calls for accountability for alleged civil rights violations against hurricane victims.
