Latest
Work of scientists in ‘suspicious’ disappearances is prime target for hostile foes: retired FBI agent
As about a dozen cases involving missing or deceased American nuclear scientists have come to light, a retired high-level FBI official says some of them fit a pattern that he considers suspicious.
“The missing [and] disappearance thing is suspicious inherently,” said Chris Swecker, who served as assistant director of the FBI. “What they were working on would certainly, without a doubt, be a target of a hostile foreign intelligence service like Russia or China. It could be Iran, could be Pakistan.”
Swecker believes the six deaths that have been widely reported don’t have much in common, and he doesn’t believe they’re connected.
While Swecker isn’t convinced that there’s a conspiracy afoot even among the missing scientists, he agrees that authorities should be looking for links in the disappearances, given the high-value, sensitive technology that they all worked with or near.
The disappearance of retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland earlier this year set off the cascade of theories about the missing and dead scientists. He was the former commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, and had connections to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where top-secret nuclear research is conducted.
He vanished in New Mexico after leaving his home with only a pair of boots and a handgun. He left his phone, keys and glasses behind.
“I’m just saying that … the FBI would have interest in anything that happened to them because of what they were working on,” he said. “And, in fact, [with] McCasland, the FBI showed up uninvited that very afternoon.“
STATE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE ALLEGEDLY REMOVED CLASSIFIED DOCS, MET WITH CHINESE OFFICIALS
Anthony Chavez, 79, worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory until he retired in 2017. He reportedly disappeared on May 8, 2025. He was last seen leaving his house in Los Alamos on foot, with his car locked in his driveway. He did not bring his phone, wallet or keys on his walk.
Melissa Casias, 53, also worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. She went missing on June 26, 2025.
Steven Garcia, 48, went missing from Albuquerque on Aug. 28, 2025. He worked at the Kansas City National Security Campus, located in Albuquerque, which develops most of the nonnuclear components that go into building nuclear weapons. He reportedly left on foot carrying only a handgun.
He reportedly had a top secret security clearance.
“So Garcia, Chavez and Casias, in my opinion, ought to be lumped in and that should be the focus, and any others that went missing, because that would fit more of a pattern than just killing somebody because of what they know,” said Swcker.
“Exact same pattern,” he continued. “They disappeared with all their personal belongings [left] behind. Some of them took their handguns with them, which means they’re either in fear or they’re going to go use it on themselves.”
IS THERE A NEW ENGLAND SERIAL KILLER? FORMER FBI AGENT WITH REGIONAL TIES REVEALS HIS THEORY
Swecker also had a warning for scientists working in top-secret fields.
“What people really need to be aware of — anybody involved in technology and anything that China or Russia or our competitors want to get their hands — ought to understand that there is a daily collection effort by China, Russia, Iran, to some extent, North Korea, but mainly China and Russia to steal technology because they’re not good at [research and development],” he said. “And their whole programs depend on stealing the technology and reverse engineering it.”
“So, scientists, people involved in the defense contracting companies, research and development at universities, you know, all types of technologies in the U.S., even if it’s not military use, ought to be aware that this type of stuff goes on day in and day out.”
Last week, the White House directed the FBI to coordinate an investigation into the cases. The investigation is ongoing.
Latest
Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey
Four noncitizens were charged with illegally voting in multiple federal elections and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
According to criminal complaints filed in the District of New Jersey, each defendant allegedly cast ballots in at least one federal election, including the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
“Four individuals have been charged with illegally voting in federal elections and making false statements applying for U.S. citizenship,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
KANSAS MAYOR HIT WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY VOTING AS NONCITIZEN IN SEVERAL ELECTIONS
“The individuals — all noncitizens — voted in elections including the 2020 Presidential election, 2022 midterms, and 2024 Presidential election cycles.”
Prosecutors identified the defendants as David Neewilly, 73, of Atlantic County; Jacenth Beadle Exum, 70, of Bergen County; Idan Choresh, 43, of Monmouth County; and Abhinandan Vig, 33, of Monmouth County.
They are accused of registering to vote in New Jersey while not U.S. citizens and falsely certifying their citizenship status on voter registration forms.
“This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.
“As alleged, these green card holders lied in order to register to vote and then lied again to immigration authorities by falsely claiming never to have voted in a federal election.”
Blanche added the Justice Department “will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections.”
STATE CONSERVATIVES DEMAND ACTION ON NONCITIZEN VOTING: ‘TIME FOR CONGRESS TO LISTEN’
According to prosecutors, the defendants later falsely stated on naturalization applications that they had never registered or voted in federal elections.
“As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct,” U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said in a statement.
“Today’s charges reflect this office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable.”
Neewilly was charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and making false statements related to naturalization. He appeared April 22 before a U.S. magistrate judge in Camden.
DHS SCORCHES PRITZKER’S ‘SANCTUARY’ STATE AFTER CHILD RAPIST ON ICE DETAINER RELEASED
Choresh faces multiple charges, including voting by an alien in a federal election and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He appeared May 1 in Newark federal court.
Vig was charged with unlawful procurement of citizenship and appeared May 1 in Newark.
Beadle Exum faces charges of making false statements related to naturalization and unlawful procurement of citizenship. She also appeared May 1 in Newark.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department and FBI for comment.
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands or even stand beside Israel Football Association Vice President Basim Sheikh Suliman during a tense exchange at the FIFA Congress Thursday.
Both officials were invited to the stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but the Palestinian representative resisted efforts to bring him closer to his Israeli counterpart.
Infantino briefly placed a hand on Rajoub’s arm and gestured for him to step forward, but Rajoub did not comply.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Palestinian FA, led by Rajoub, has long pushed for Israel to be suspended from international soccer competition.
Rajoub defended his decision, saying he remains committed to formal processes but believes stronger action is needed.
“I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned. The double-standard policy should stop,” Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel.
“I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. … For me, that should be respected, but if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and speaking on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?
“I think Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps and bring people together, but I think maybe he does not understand or does not know the deep suffering of the Palestinian people.”
After the exchange, Infantino addressed the room, urging cooperation.
“We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters,” Infantino said.
Speaking just before the incident, Suliman emphasized the unifying role of the sport.
“In football, there is no place for politics,” Suliman said. “Everyone has the right to play and compete. We are teaching children values like respect, equality and love for others, and we hope that by the next time we meet, the situation will be better. We extend a hand to the Palestinian FA in the spirit of those shared values.”
UEFA was reportedly moving toward a vote to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza in September, but the motion was put on pause.
Infantino announced no action would be taken against the team on Oct. 3 after a historic peace proposal by President Donald Trump and Netanyahu.
However, even after the peace proposal, Israeli sports teams have faced opposition and exclusion.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Latest
Father of teen allegedly killed by stepbrother on cruise says he can’t ‘relive’ trauma at murder trial
The father of a teen allegedly slaughtered by her stepbrother on a cruise is skipping the June murder trial, saying he simply cannot “relive” the trauma of discovering the girl’s body in her cabin.
“Unless they ask for me to be there, neither my wife or I will be attending,” Christopher Kepner, 41, told the Daily Mail.
“I’ve heard all the evidence. I saw it for myself. They have everything they need. It’s going to be too painful to relive it all again.”
Kepner’s 16-year-old stepson, Timothy Hudson, is headed to trial June 1 in Miami federal court on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges in the Nov. 7 slaying. Timothy has pleaded not guilty.
In a harrowing account, Kepner described the moment his family vacation became a living nightmare.
“I checked her pulse. I pulled her out from under the bed,” Kepner said. “I knew my daughter was dead long before the medical examiner got there. I don’t want to be back in that room.”
TEEN FOUND DEAD ON CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DIED FROM MECHANICAL ASPHYXIATION, RULED HOMICIDE: REPORT
Authorities later ruled her death a homicide caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” caused by “mechanical asphyxiation,” according to documents previously reviewed by Fox News Digital.
According to investigators, she was found under the bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The cabin was shared with her stepbrother.
Now, the family is working to remember the 18-year-old cheerleader from Central Florida affectionately called “Anna Banana.”
“We are celebrating Anna by keeping it all about her and doing the things she liked,” Kepner said. “We want to remember Anna how she lived — and not how she died.”
LISTEN TO THE NEW ‘CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO’ PODCAST
If convicted, the teen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
“I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general,” Kepner previously said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Timothy Hudson’s attorney for comment.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss,” U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said. “A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Pete Alonso rips on traffic, crushes homer against Yankees in return to NYC
Bus plunges into river after trainee driver crash, massive rescue response: reports
Father of teen allegedly killed by stepbrother on cruise says he can’t ‘relive’ trauma at murder trial
Vance Leaves Meeting, Looks Straight Into Camera, Announces Stunning Arrest
Adam Schiff Facing 30 Years In Prison After Bank Records Leak
Supreme Curt Sides With Trump — He Can Remove The All
-
Latest3 weeks agoVance Leaves Meeting, Looks Straight Into Camera, Announces Stunning Arrest
-
News2 weeks agoAdam Schiff Facing 30 Years In Prison After Bank Records Leak
-
Latest2 weeks agoSupreme Curt Sides With Trump — He Can Remove The All
-
News3 weeks agoAll Hell Breaks Loose On Fox When Jesse Watters Asks Fetterman One Question
-
News3 weeks agoNBC Stops LIVE Broadcast — Breaks Big Trump News
-
News2 weeks agoSwalwell Facing Jail Time After Sickening New Video Leaks
-
Latest2 weeks agoUT Judge Drops Bombshell In Charlie Kirk Killer Case
-
News2 weeks agoBiden Attorney Found Dead After It’s Revealed Who She Was Investigating