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PA homeland security chief resigns over controversy of tracking activists
The Pennsylvania Homeland Security director who hired an anti-terrorism contractor to monitor threats to state infrastructure resigned today, just weeks after confidential intelligence bulletins produced by the contractor showed surveillance of gas drilling opponents and an array of activist groups and protesters.
"Jim is a good man who made a very significant mistake in judgment," Gov. Ed Rendell said as he announced Powers' resignation, in comments reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rendell said the choice to step down was made by Powers.
As we've noted, Powers, apologized at a hearing this week to the groups and individuals who felt their constitutional rights were violated. At the same time, Powers stood by his decision to authorize the contract with the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response, saying, "I still feel what we were doing was right for the people."
Top officials of the Pennsylvania State Police had sharply criticized the intelligence bulletins, calling the documents "unsubstantiated gossip" and the work of "amateurs." One lawmaker at this week's hearing called for Powers to be fired.