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

He served as FEMA's "Senior Official Performing the Duties" of administrator since May 8, 2025, 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.

FEMA chief of staff Karen Evans will step into his role starting Dec. 1, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said.

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