‘They Will Be Held Accountable’: Pete Buttigieg’s Warning After Baltimore Bridge Disaster
By Jake Beardslee ·
March 27, 2024
In the aftermath of the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a stern warning on Wednesday – any entities or individuals found responsible will be held accountable. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
"The President said yesterday the federal government will pay for the entire cost of rebuilding. But if you find that somebody involved here was responsible, why not have them pay?" asked Fox News host Bill Hemmer. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
Buttigieg responded firmly, "Yeah, there's no question that if the investigation determines that any private party or parties are responsible, they will be held accountable." Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
The bridge crumbled into the Patapsco River early Tuesday morning after a cargo vessel struck one of its support structures. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
While the cause remains under investigation, President Joe Biden swiftly pledged federal aid, stating, "It's my intention that federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstruction in that bridge. I expect the Congress to support my effort." Office of the President of the United States/Wikimedia
Despite the President's assurances, unsubstantiated theories spread online suggesting the crash was intentional, forcing officials to reiterate there was no evidence to suggest a deliberate collapse. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was among those amplifying such claims before they were debunked. Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America/Wikimedia
As the crucial Baltimore shipping port remains shuttered, Buttigieg emphasized to MSNBC the urgency of reopening it, saying, "We are doing everything that can be done so that we can get this bridge back up and get that port back open..." Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
"...There is no substitute for the Port of Baltimore being up and running," Buttigieg stated. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
With disruptions to travel and commerce expected for years, the administration is intent on holding any culpable parties financially responsible, per Buttigieg's warning of "accountability" should the investigation reveal negligence or wrongdoing. Maryland GovPics/Wikimedia
