Florida Republicans targeted Black voters, DoJ says | First Thing

Department claims restrictions were racially motivated. Plus, California urges residents to cut power use

• Don't already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here

Good morning.

Florida Republicans intentionally targeted Black voters in voting restrictions enacted last year, the justice department has said in a court filing.

Are other states' voting laws being challenged? The department's voting section has also filed challenges to restrictions in Georgia, Texas and Arizona.

What did the Florida restrictions include? Limiting the availability of absentee ballot drop boxes, regulations for third-party voter registration groups, and a ban on providing food and water to people queueing to vote.

Violence against law enforcement officials is feared since the search as federal authorities warn that it fueled extremists. Last week, an armed man was killed after attacking an FBI office in Cincinnati with an AR-15-style rifle and a nail gun.

Pence will call on the attorney general, Merrick Garland, to fully disclose the reasons behind the recent search, he said.