Florida Gov. Rick Scott Blasts President Barack Obama's Orlando Response

Tallahassee, FL — The Obama Administration’s denial of Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s request for an Emergency Declaration in the wake of the June 12 terrorist attack is “unthinkable,” the state’s top elected official said Monday.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the Obama Administration denied our request for an Emergency Declaration,” Scott said in a media release Monday. “Last week, a terrorist killed 49 people, and wounded many others, which was the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. It is unthinkable that President Obama does not define this as an emergency.”

See also: FEMA Fires Back About Florida's Request For Aid

Scott’s administration had requested $5 million in federal funds under the Stafford Act to help with emergency response efforts, law enforcement response, emergency medical care, social services and counseling services for the victims. The 1988 Stafford Act is designed to provide assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency following a major disaster or emergency.

While FEMA denied the $5 million request, "the federal government, however, will allocate $253,000 to help pay for overtime for first responders,” the release noted.

Scott’s request for federal assistance was made in the wake of a mass shooting at the Orlando Pulse Night Club & Ultra Bar. The popular gay nightclub was near capacity when Omar Mateen opened fire in the early morning hours of June 12. Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others before he was shot and killed by police.

The attack has been classified as an act of terror by the federal government. The FBI released transcripts of Marteen’s calls to 911 on Monday during which he pledged his allegiance to ISIS.

In a denial letter to Scott dated June 20, W. Craig Fugate, FEMA's administrator, said the state failed to demonstrate “how the emergency response associated with this situation is beyond the capability of the State and affected local governments.”

Fugate went on to tell Scott that “several Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and FEMA have resources that may help support the response to this incident absent an emergency declaration under the Stafford Act.”

Scott said the state is committing every resource “possible to help the victims and the community heal and we expect the same from the federal government.”

The governor’s office went on to list emergency declarations approved by the federal government during Obama’s time in the White House. Examples include:

• Obama’s own inauguration in 2009
• A Massachusetts water main break in 2010
• The 2013 Boston bombing
• The 2016 Flint water crisis

Scott also took to Twitter to express his displeasure with the Obama administration.

The state has 30 days to appeal the federal government’s denial. It is unclear if Scott intends to pursue an appeal.

Photo from Gov. Rick Scott's Facebook page