The federal agency responsible for leading the nation's efforts to protect from the impacts of natural disasters and man-made incidents or terrorist events has denied requests by Maryland and Virginia to cover costs of the Capitol riot response and security for Joe Biden's inauguration, The Wall Street Journal reported.
"Based on our review of all the information available, it has been determined that supplemental federal assistance under the Stafford Act is not warranted for this event," read a letter from FEMA to Virginia officials obtained by the Journal.
Maryland and Virginia made emergency declarations Friday tied to unrest related to Biden's inauguration – with the threat of more violence following the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, some 25,000 National Guard troops have been deployed around Washington.
Both states said it would appeal FEMA's decision.
Gov. Ralph Northam tweeted:
"Virginia was there to defend the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 — and we are committed to ensuring a peaceful transfer of power tomorrow. Now, the same President who incited this terrorism has denied us support in our efforts to stop it. A slap in the face."
"The state of Maryland will continue to do everything we possibly can to secure our nation's capital and to ensure the peaceful transition of power," Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Friday.
The FBI last week warned of "armed protests" being planned at all 50 state capitols and in Washington, D.C.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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