House Republicans demand FBI, NASA briefings on nuclear staff deaths

House Republicans are pressuring several federal agencies to respond to reports that at least 10 people linked to sensitive U.S. nuclear and aerospace programs have died or disappeared in recent years, with lawmakers pointing to public information that raises questions about a possible “sinister link” between the cases.

In letters sent Monday, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and subcommittee Chairman Eric Burlison, R-Mo., request briefings from the FBI, the Department of Energy, NASA and the War Department, citing what they describe as “unconfirmed public reports” regarding the incidents.

Lawmakers say these reports involve individuals linked to “US nuclear secrets or rocket technology” who are “dead or mysteriously missing,” and seek to determine whether there is a broader risk to national security.

“If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances could pose a serious threat to United States national security and to American personnel with access to scientific secrets,” Comer and Burlison wrote.

An FBI spokesperson told Fox News Digital in response: “The FBI is leading efforts to seek links to missing and deceased scientists. We are working with the Department of Energy, the Department of War, and with our state and local law enforcement partners to find answers.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., pictured here, and subcommittee Chairman Eric Burlison, R-Mo., have requested briefings from the FBI, the Department of Energy, NASA and the War Department. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc.)

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In response to earlier reports, the War Department said there were “no active national security investigations” involving current or former personnel related to the reported cases.

The White House acknowledged the problem but did not confirm any connection between the incidents.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently said officials were working with relevant agencies to gather more information, while President Donald Trump told reporters he had just “left a meeting” on the issue, calling it “a pretty serious thing” and indicating that answers could come soon.

The letters cite several people whose deaths or disappearances have attracted public attention, including Michael David Hicks, a former scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who died in 2023.

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Among the most recent cases, that of retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William “Neil” McCasland, who disappeared from his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in February. Authorities said he left personal items behind but took his wallet and a gun, and he was not found.

NASA materials engineer Monica Reza, who was director of the materials processing group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is also missing after disappearing while hiking in California in June 2025.

NASA materials engineer Monica Reza, who was director of the materials processing group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is also missing after disappearing while hiking in California in June 2025. (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Jason Thomas, left, Melissa Casias, center, and Frank Maiwald are among the scientists whose deaths or disappearances have come under scrutiny as officials examine whether cases are linked. (Fox News: Sierra Casias: Legacy.com)

The cases cited in public reports cover a range of circumstances, including disappearances, confirmed homicides, and deaths where no foul play was identified. Authorities have not indicated the incidents are related.

Lawmakers also referenced reports suggesting a possible professional connection between some of the individuals in past Air Force-funded research programs involving advanced materials for space and weapons systems, although no confirmed connection between the cases has been established.

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Comer and Burlison said the situation warranted further review, asking agencies by April 27 for staff-level briefings on any information they have regarding individuals, as well as procedures in place to protect sensitive scientific personnel and classified research.

The investigation covers agencies responsible for nuclear weapons infrastructure, advanced military research, federal law enforcement and space exploration – a wide-ranging effort to determine whether there is a risk to U.S. national security or personnel related to advanced research programs.

Fox News Digital has contacted the departments that received letters for comment.