House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) said at least 11 American scientists connected to nuclear secrets and U.S. rocket technology have died or gone missing in recent years, calling the situation “fishy” and one that “doesn’t pass the smell test.”
“At least 11 of America’s top scientists in nuclear secrets and U.S. rocket technology are dead or missing with no real explanation. It’s fishy and doesn’t pass the smell test,” Comer posted on X.
The statement came in response to a NewsNation interview in which Comer was asked whether scientists working in classified fields should be worried. He replied that he believes so, citing potential involvement by adversaries including China, North Korea, Iran and Russia, as well as possible Eastern European countries, while noting it could also be a coincidence.
On April 20, 2026, Comer and Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) sent formal letters to the Department of Energy, Department of War, Federal Bureau of Investigation and NASA requesting briefings on the deaths and disappearances, as well as on safeguards for personnel with access to sensitive scientific information.
The House Oversight Committee release states that the panel is investigating “recent unconfirmed public reporting” on the cases and that, “if the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security.”
No further details on specific individuals or timelines were included in Comer’s April 22 statement or the committee’s April 20 letters.
This is a developing story.