Official at center of Pa. terror-alert flap quits

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The director of the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is quitting, saying the decision comes after he reflected on the uproar over anti-terror alert bulletins that tracked actions of peaceful citizens’ groups.

James Powers submitted his letter of resignation to Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday.

Powers’ three-paragraph letter says he decided to quit after thinking over “emerging events surrounding the credibility of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency,” and his office and their “public/private-sector information sharing programs.”

Anti-terrorism bulletins distributed by Power’s office included information about an anti-BP candlelight vigil, a gay and lesbian festival and other peaceful gatherings. Gov. Ed Rendell said he was appalled when he learned of the reports.