Trending Now - Lawmakers Push for Clarity on Missing Scientists Amid Trump Update

WHO:

Fox News - Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo.

Fox News - President Donald Trump

Fox News - Matthew Sullivan, deceased U.S. Air Force intelligence officer

Fox News - Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, missing

CNN - Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary

CNN - James Comer, Republican lawmaker from Kentucky

CNN - Anna Paulina Luna, Republican lawmaker from Florida

CNN - Jessica Reed Kraus, writer and influencer

CNN - Daniel Liszt, runs the website Dark Journalist

CNN - Ross Coulthart, NewsNation correspondent

WHAT:

Fox News - At least 13 scientists tied to nuclear and space research are reported dead or missing.

Fox News - Rep. Eric Burlison stated, "Every adversary on the planet celebrates each one we lose. We are weaker as a nation today because of these losses."

Fox News - The FBI is investigating the deaths and disappearances of the scientists.

CNN - The House Oversight Committee announced plans for its own investigation into the deaths and disappearances.

CNN - The count of dead or missing scientists has reached 13, including Joshua LeBlanc, who died in a car crash in July 2025.

WHERE:

Fox News - Falls Church, Virginia, where Matthew Sullivan died.

Fox News - Washington, D.C., where Rep. Eric Burlison participated in a news conference.

CNN - New Mexico, where William Neil McCasland disappeared.

WHEN:

Fox News - Matthew Sullivan died on May 12, 2024.

Fox News - The investigation into the missing and deceased scientists began to gain attention in 2022.

CNN - The White House announced an investigation on April 17.

CNN - The House Oversight Committee announced its investigation on April 20.

WHY:

Fox News - The deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security and personnel with access to scientific secrets.

HOW:

Fox News - The FBI is working with the Department of Energy, Department of War, and state and local law enforcement to investigate the cases.

(UPDATED May 1, 2026 19:15 UTC)

At least 13 scientists linked to nuclear and space research are reported dead or missing, raising serious concerns about U.S. national security. Rep. Eric Burlison emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Every adversary on the planet celebrates each one we lose," while the FBI collaborates with various agencies to investigate these troubling cases. Meanwhile, the House Oversight Committee has announced plans for its own investigation following the White House's declaration of an inquiry on April 17.