Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz Asks Trump for Federal Disaster Declaration Following Damages

Due to “extensive fire damage” and other damages in the unrest after the death of George Floyd, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz asked President Trump for a federal disaster declaration in his state.

A report from the governor’s office says that Walz also requested financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He submitted the request to help his state rebuild after the damages.

“We’re asking our federal partners to step up and help our communities recover,” said Governor Walz. “We need to come together to ensure Minnesotans who were victims of this destruction have access to critical infrastructure they need so they can go to the grocery store, pick up their medication, and live their lives. Together, we will rebuild.”

https://twitter.com/tim_lst/status/1278879322758090757

Fox News reported that Walz’s office “estimates the cost of the damage to more than 1,500 businesses in Minneapolis and St. Paul at over $500 million.”

“We are committed to helping our communities rebuild, but we can’t do this on our own,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. He also said that while COVID-19 had stretched their state, tribal, and local budgets thin, they “need everyone to step up, including the federal government, to restore safety and critical infrastructure to our communities.”

According to the governor’s office, it has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard for the first time since World War II.

While the violence has decreased, federal prosecutors have filed charges against arson suspects. They continue to pursue to identify more persons of interest.

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