The term "security theater" has been tossed around a lot, but I think it's pretty clearly coming to that. Asking the mainstream media not to cover something like this is completely indefensible from a security standpoint - what, terrorists only learn about security flaws from TV?. It's pretty patently only about keeping their budget.
Also, just going to throw this out there, but it is fairly possible that the email is totally fake.
Also, just going to throw this out there, but it is fairly possible that the email is totally fake.