Congress, FBI investigate deaths and disappearances of U.S. scientists

Lawmakers and federal investigators are looking into a troubling pattern involving multiple American scientists connected to sensitive government work.

(NBC) -The House Oversight Committee says it is launching an investigation after reports that at least ten scientists with ties to U.S. nuclear or space programs have died or gone missing.

“If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security,” the committee said in a statement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also opened a probe, working alongside the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and local law enforcement agencies.

Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the situation.

“I hope it’s random, but we’re going to know in the next week and a half,” he said.

The cases date back to 2023, when scientist Michael David Hicks—who worked with NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory—died at age 59. A cause of death was not publicly released.

Between 2024 and 2025, several more incidents were reported, including the disappearance of Monica Reza, who vanished while hiking near Los Angeles.

Earlier this year, retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland was reported missing after leaving his home in Albuquerque on foot.

The string of incidents has fueled speculation online, with some pointing to a possible pattern.

“This is not just a coincidence; it is absolutely a pattern,” one social media user said.

Officials have not confirmed any connection between the cases, but say they are actively working to determine whether a link exists.