Washington — David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is leaving his post, according to five current and former homeland security officials familiar with the decision. Richardson submitted his resignation Monday morning, the officials said.

He served as FEMA's "Senior Official Performing the Duties" of administrator since May 8, when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem abruptly removed his predecessor, Cameron Hamilton. Before leading FEMA, Richardson was assistant secretary for the Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office.

From the outset, Richardson's leadership style garnered attention. In his first all-hands meeting he told agency staff : "Don't get in my way … I will run right over you," and

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