FEMA Chief Brock Long Steps Down

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 26: Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long talks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House September 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. Long and Department of Homeland Security acting Secretary Elaine Duke talked about the federal response to hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Federal Emergency Management Agency Chief Brock Long is stepping down from his position, according to a statement issued by the agency on Wednesday. Long was accused of potentially breaking “multiple laws” when he took frequent trips from Washington, D.C., to his home in Hickory, North Carolina, on the taxpayers’ dime. Long was also criticized over his use of government vehicles for personal travel, as well as his agency’s response to Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. FEMA issued a statement from Long regarding his abrupt departure: “While this has been the opportunity of the lifetime, it is time for me to go home to my family—my beautiful wife and two incredible boys,” Long wrote. “Upon my departure, Mr. Peter Gaynor, will serve as Acting FEMA administrator.”

SCOOP: FEMA chief Brock Long is planning to leave the agency, sources say. Could be announced as soon as today.

— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) February 13, 2019

SOURCE: The Daily Beast