Republican lawmakers are raising alarms over the deaths or disappearances of 12 US scientists since 2022, many with ties to nuclear or space programs. Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna posted on X: 'Something is up,' while South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace asked: 'Who killed the scientists?' The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into ten of the cases, writing to the FBI, Pentagon and Department of Energy this week warning that 'these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to US national security.'
The cases include four individuals linked to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Research scientist Michael Hicks, 59, died on July 30, 2023; his daughter Julia told CNN her father had 'known medical issues' and saw no connection to other cases. German-born researcher Frank Maiwald, 61, died on July 4, 2024. Material scientist Monica Reza, 60, disappeared on June 22, 2025, while hiking in Angeles National Forest. Astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was shot and killed on his doorstep in Llano, California, on February 16; Freddy Snyder, 29, has been charged with his murder.
Retired Air Force General William 'Neil' McCasland, 68, went missing on February 27 after a hike near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The House Oversight Committee's letter to FBI Director Kash Patel cited a 'close professional connection' between Reza and McCasland through an Air Force-funded research programme in the early 2000s. The letter also noted that Reza co-invented a nickel-based superalloy used in rocket engines. Other missing or dead scientists include those from New Mexico and other states, with some cases ruled as suicides or lacking foul play evidence.
The FBI has launched its own investigation, while NASA has said there is no indication of a security threat. Families have dismissed conspiracy theories. President Donald Trump commented that 'hopefully' it is all just a 'coincidence.' The death of UFO researcher David Wilcock by suicide on April 20 brought the total number of cases to 12. Lawmakers continue to press for answers, with House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer telling Fox & Friends: 'We know there are many countries around the world that would love to have our knowledge and nuclear capabilities. And these are the people that were at the forefront of it, and they’re either dead or missing.'
