Investigation launched into decision to keep FBI HQ in DC

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is applauding a decision by the Justice Department to investigate after a plan to move the FBI headquarters out of the District was canceled.

Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly chairs the Government Operations Committee. The FBI site on Pennsylvania Avenue is prime real estate that D.C. wants to re-develop.

The building is also across the street from the Trump Hotel – and Chairman Connelly says he wants to know if there's a connection.

"A very abrupt and puzzling decision to pull the plug on the request for proposals. A contract was just about to be awarded. So what happened? And why?" Connolly asks.

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz says he's reviewing the Trump administration's decision to not build a new headquarters for the FBI and redevelop the D.C. site.

Prince George's County was in the running for the FBI building when the move was canceled in 2017.

The Trump Hotel is the only Pennsylvania Avenue hotel between the White House and the Capitol.

Connelly says it's important to remember that the current FBI headquarters facility is badly outdated, and needs to be replaced.

"I know it's hard to believe but I don't think anybody cares one way or the other where it goes – what we do care about is that the FBI be well served and its mission be re-enforced by the decision about a new headquarters," Connolly said.

In a statement, Hogan said, "Our administration went the extra mile and then some to bring FBI headquarters to Maryland – including making our case directly to the White House – we still believe that we are the best site. We look forward to the Inspector General's review."

GSA Administrator Emily Murphy told Congress that President Trump had no involvement in the decision to cancel moving the FBI headquarters.

The current plan is to tear down and rebuilt the current FBI headquarters, but to move 2,300 employees out of D.C. to Alabama, Idaho, and West Virginia.