Technically he's being "removed from his role managing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts" but considering the dustup about his qualifications -- not to mention the flak the adminstration is getting for his, er, lack of efficacy thus far -- but yeah, he's out.

He is being replaced by Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen, his deputy in coordinating the relief efforts.

Chertoff makes it official now -- 1:45 pm. Thanks to über-source Bucky Turco for the intel.

"Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job."

FEMA Chief relieved of Katrina duties [MSNBC]
FEMA Head May Have Lied In Bio [CBS News]
How Reliable Is Brown's Resume? [TIME]
FEMA Rap fo Kidz [FishbowlNY]