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Brian Laundrie search heavy on taxpayers? Operation likely cost between $500k to $1M

As the search for Brian Laundrie laced with helicopters, drones and divers continues, people asked how much the operation is costing taxpayers

A hunt for Brian Laundrie entered its fifth day on Thursday, September 23 with no signs of him. He has allegedly been on a run as he was reported missing from his home in North Port, Florida since September 14. North Port police and the FBI have launched a full-fledged hunt for Brian Laundrie, who was named a 'person of interest' in Gabby Petito's disappearance. Petito's body was found in Grand Teton national park in Wyoming on Sunday, September 19. An autopsy on Tuesday, September 21 ruled her death to be a homicide.

As the authorities continue the search for Brian Laundrie, laced with helicopters, drones and divers, people have raised questions as to how much the search operation is costing taxpayers. NBC reporter Michael Raimondi on Thursday, September 23 reported that the search operation "likely cost between $500k and $1M" "A lot of people are asking us what the search for #BrianLaundrie in Carlton Reserve is costing taxpayers. Peace River K-9 Search and Rescue says this effort so far has likely cost between $500k and $1M, " he tweeted. The tweet further said, "The President of the group says normally crews scale back after two days." …unless they find evidence of the person they’re looking for. The @SarasotaSheriff says: We are not keeping track of any cost right now, specifically. As of now, we have responded to a request for mutual aid."

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'Laundries should cover ALL costs'

Internet erupted in fury as people raised objections over how much the search for Brian Laundrie is costing. One person tweeted, "How much would it have cost them to stake out the house and the neighboring streets for a few days instead - before he went missing?" Another wrote, "how much has this search cost the City of North Port to date? And will the city consider legal action in the future to recover at least some of those expenses from the Laundries? #BrianLaundrie" One person emphasised that the Laundrie family should bear the cost of the search and tweeted, "The Laundrie’s live in a $120,000 home and they appear to have some assets (F150, small camper, base model Ford Mustang, etc.). I can’t confirm this, but the Laundrie’s likely couldn’t afford one day of this search, let alone days/weeks. That said, they should cover ALL costs!"