Lawmakers Demand Answers on Deaths, Disappearances of Scientists Tied to U.S. Secrets

House Republicans press federal agencies for briefings on reports of at least 10 individuals with connections to sensitive nuclear and aerospace programs who have died or vanished in recent years.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a government research laboratory building in warm, muted tones, with the structure bathed in dramatic lighting and surrounded by an air of quiet contemplation, conceptually representing the somber mood and unanswered questions around the reported incidents.The mysterious deaths and disappearances of scientists linked to sensitive U.S. programs have cast an unsettling shadow over the government's ability to safeguard its most valuable research assets.Albuquerque Today

House Republicans are pressing multiple federal agencies for answers about reports that at least 10 individuals tied to sensitive U.S. nuclear and aerospace programs have died or disappeared in recent years. The lawmakers are seeking briefings from the FBI, Department of Energy, NASA, and Department of War, citing 'unconfirmed public reporting' that raises questions about a possible 'sinister connection' between the cases.

Why it matters

The reported deaths and disappearances of individuals with connections to U.S. nuclear secrets and rocket technology could represent a grave threat to national security if the claims are accurate. Lawmakers are concerned about the potential risk to personnel involved in advanced research programs.

The details

The letters cite several individuals whose deaths or disappearances have drawn public attention, including former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Michael David Hicks, who died in 2023, and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William 'Neil' McCasland, who disappeared from his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home in February. The cases span a range of circumstances, including disappearances, confirmed homicides, and deaths where no foul play has been identified. Authorities have not indicated that the incidents are linked, but lawmakers are seeking more information on any potential connections.

  • In February 2026, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William 'Neil' McCasland disappeared from his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home.
  • In June 2025, NASA materials engineer Monica Reza, who served as director of the Materials Processing Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, disappeared during a hike in California.
  • In 2023, former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Michael David Hicks died.

The players

James Comer

House Oversight Committee Chairman, R-Ky.

Eric Burlison

House Oversight Subcommittee Chairman, R-Mo.

Michael David Hicks

Former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist who died in 2023.

William 'Neil' McCasland

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. who disappeared from his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home in February 2026.

Monica Reza

NASA materials engineer and director of the Materials Processing Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who disappeared during a hike in California in June 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security and to U.S. personnel with access to scientific secrets.”

— James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chairman, R-Ky.

“I had just left a meeting on the matter, calling it 'pretty serious stuff' and indicating answers could come soon.”

— Donald Trump, President

What’s next

The House Oversight Committee and Subcommittee have requested staff-level briefings from the FBI, Department of Energy, NASA, and Department of War by April 27 to gather more information on the reported incidents and any potential national security risks.

The takeaway

The concerning reports of deaths and disappearances of individuals connected to sensitive U.S. nuclear and aerospace programs have raised serious national security concerns among lawmakers, who are seeking answers and assurances that personnel and classified research are being properly protected.