Gov. Scott plans to appeal request for emergency funds after Pulse attack

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Gov. Rick Scott plans to appeal a decision denying his request for a declaration of a state of emergency by federal officials, following the Orlando nightclub massacre.

Spokeswoman Jackie Schutz said Tuesday that Scott doesn't understand why the request was denied, adding that an emergency was declared for the Boston Marathon bombing.

Schutz said the governor has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said the disaster fund is not an appropriate source for such money.

Instead, the federal government will give more than a quarter million dollars to help pay overtime for first responders.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the Obama Administration denied our request for an Emergency Declaration,” Scott said in a tweet.

He added that it was “unthinkable” that the president didn’t think the attack, which killed 49 people, was an emergency.

Federal Emergency Management also said most other governors of states where mass shootings have taken place didn't request such aid.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Cox Media Group