DeSantis extends assistance to Maryland after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is sending aid to Maryland after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning.

“I have directed [the Florida Division of Emergency Management] to offer assistance to the State of Maryland, if needed, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” DeSantis wrote in a post on X. “The State of Florida stands willing to help and our prayers are with the victims and first responders.”

This is not the first time DeSantis has offered aid to other states facing tragedies. In August last year, the Florida governor pledged that the state would “stand ready” to help California as the Golden State braced itself for the impact of Hurricane Hillary. DeSantis extended an olive branch to Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and offered a pause in their political rivalry.

The Florida governor has also remained active in the national spotlight since exiting the Republican presidential race. DeSantis’s future political plans are unknown.

DeSantis also recently issued an executive order authorizing rescue missions of Americans in Haiti while the country grapples with instability and violence following the resignation of its prime minister. On Wednesday last week, 14 Floridians arrived at Orlando Sanford International Airport, per local NPR station WUSF.

The Maryland bridge’s “catastrophic collapse” occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Eastern time after a cargo ship rammed into one of the structure’s support beams. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared a local state of emergency at 9:46 a.m.

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Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said this morning that the response to the incident was still an “active search and rescue mission.” People were on the bridge when it collapsed, Wiedefeld confirmed, but he did not provide a tally.

Other lawmakers are offering their assistance in this incident, as well. Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) has been in communication with Scott and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the governor said. Buttigieg said he offered Moore and Scott the federal department’s support.