Following the tragic building collapse in Davenport, Iowa, a recent NBC News report sparked controversy, suggesting that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis exaggerated his state's assistance despite Iowa officials canceling the request. However, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has refuted this narrative, expressing gratitude for Florida's rapid response and expertise. This article clarifies the timeline of events and addresses the discrepancies in reporting.

The Davenport building collapse on May 28, which claimed three lives, prompted Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to seek assistance from Florida and Wisconsin on June 3. Florida swiftly responded, offering personnel by the following afternoon. Iowa accepted the offer, and two Florida team members arrived in Davenport – one just before midnight on June 4, and the other shortly after, mere hours before the last missing person was found on June 5.

Following the recovery of the last victim, Iowa modified its request, asking Florida to pause further deployments while still welcoming the expertise of the personnel already present. These two individuals remained on-site until June 7, supporting the transition into the next phase of recovery operations.

DeSantis' press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, challenged the NBC report, accusing reporter Matt Dixon of misrepresenting the situation. Redfern argued that the modification of the request did not equate to a complete cancellation, as the two Florida personnel already deployed were asked to remain and provide their expertise. He emphasized that Iowa requested assistance, and Florida responded accordingly.

An email from a Miami emergency response official, cited in the NBC report, mentioned the "mission being canceled" but also indicated that the two Florida personnel en route would still assess the situation upon arrival and determine if their assistance was needed. Redfern contended that NBC selectively used this email to create a misleading narrative, ignoring the fact that Iowa still welcomed the support of the personnel already deployed.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's statement of gratitude for Florida's assistance further contradicts the NBC report's implications. This situation underscores the importance of accurate reporting and avoiding misinterpretations that can politicize tragic events.