More than a dozen Federal Emergency Management Agency employees were reportedly suspended after signing their names to a letter expressing concern that the inexperience of the agency’s current leadership could lead to a Katrina-like disaster response.
Several current FEMA employees received an email from the agency Tuesday stating that they had been placed on administrative leave “effectively immediately, and continuing till further notice,” according to emails reviewed by CBS News.
“While on administrative leave, you will be in a non-duty status while continuing to receive pay and benefits,” the letter to the suspended employees reportedly stated. Staffers were also told not to use the department’s telecommunication systems, visit the agency’s facilities or carry out their official duties, other than responding to Department of Homeland Security inquiries, according to CBS News.