Concerns about a series of deaths and disappearances involving scientists connected to U.S. aerospace and defense work have intensified after congressional investigators launched inquiries, although officials say no confirmed link between the incidents has been established.
On Monday, the House Oversight Committee sought information from several federal agencies about at least 11 researchers tied to organizations including NASA and private aerospace firms such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Committee Chairman James Comer and Rep. Eric Burlison sent letters to FBI Director Kash Patel, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman requesting staff briefings by April 27, according to Fortune magazine.
The letters warned that, if the reports prove accurate, the deaths and disappearances could pose a serious threat to national security and to personnel with access to sensitive scientific information.
Comer said Monday he doubted the incidents were random. He argued that the known facts suggest something potentially sinister and deserving of national security scrutiny.
He added that lawmakers hope to identify possible connections and determine whether overlooked links exist. According to Comer, Congress considers the issue significant enough to make it a committee priority.
Later that day, President Trump told reporters he hoped the cases were coincidental but acknowledged several individuals involved were highly important. He said he had recently attended a meeting on the matter and expected more answers within days.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the administration is coordinating with federal agencies and the FBI to review the cases collectively, searching for possible common factors. Patel also confirmed an FBI investigation examining classified access, sensitive information, and potential foreign involvement.
The FBI said it is leading efforts with the Energy Department, Defense Department, and local authorities, while NASA stated it sees no evidence of a security threat.
