Missing scientists
Origins and propagation: add number
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==Origins and propagation== |
==Origins and propagation== |
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The missing scientists conspiracy theory is an internet-propagated conspiracy theory that originated and grew in popularity in early 2026, and that alleges |
The missing scientists conspiracy theory is an internet-propagated conspiracy theory that originated and grew in popularity in early 2026, and that alleges 10 or eleven unconnected persons — some of whom were characterized as "scientists" — had disappeared or been murdered due to their supposed knowledge of UFOs. |
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The origin of the conspiracy theory has been dated to the early 2026 disappearance of [[William Neil McCasland]].{{cite news |last1=Cameron |first1=Claire |title=FBI investigating possible links between deaths and disappearances of at least 10 scientists |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fbi-investigating-possible-links-between-deaths-and-disappearances-of-at-least-10-scientists/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |work=[[Scientific American]] |date=April 21, 2026}} McCasland, a 68 year-old former [[U.S. Air Force]] officer was reported missing by his wife on February 27, 2026. He previously had been briefly involved with To the Stars which, according to ''[[Scientific American]]'', is "a celebrity-led organization that promotes theories about aliens". Despite speculation his disappearance was related to secret knowledge he possessed about [[UFO]]s, McCasland's wife averred he "had only very commonly held [security] clearances" since his retirement more than a decade before, and suffered from a chronic health issue at the time of his disappearance.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Chad |title=Wife of missing general rebuts 'misinformation,' including UFO ties |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2026/03/13/us-air-force-general-william-mccasland-wright-patterson-disappears-new-mexico-wife-disputes-ufo/89135887007/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=March 13, 2026}} According to the sheriff of [[Bernalillo County, New Mexico]] — where McCasland resided — there was "no evidence indicating foul play" in his disappearance.{{cite web |title=BCSO Provides Updated Timeline and Description in Search for William “Neil” McCasland |url=https://www.bernco.gov/bernalillo-county-sheriff/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2026/03/PressRelease3.12.2026.pdf |website=bernco.gov |publisher=[[Bernalillo County, New Mexico|Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office]] |access-date=April 21, 2026}} |
The origin of the conspiracy theory has been dated to the early 2026 disappearance of [[William Neil McCasland]].{{cite news |last1=Cameron |first1=Claire |title=FBI investigating possible links between deaths and disappearances of at least 10 scientists |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fbi-investigating-possible-links-between-deaths-and-disappearances-of-at-least-10-scientists/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |work=[[Scientific American]] |date=April 21, 2026}} McCasland, a 68 year-old former [[U.S. Air Force]] officer was reported missing by his wife on February 27, 2026. He previously had been briefly involved with To the Stars which, according to ''[[Scientific American]]'', is "a celebrity-led organization that promotes theories about aliens". Despite speculation his disappearance was related to secret knowledge he possessed about [[UFO]]s, McCasland's wife averred he "had only very commonly held [security] clearances" since his retirement more than a decade before, and suffered from a chronic health issue at the time of his disappearance.{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Chad |title=Wife of missing general rebuts 'misinformation,' including UFO ties |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2026/03/13/us-air-force-general-william-mccasland-wright-patterson-disappears-new-mexico-wife-disputes-ufo/89135887007/ |access-date=April 21, 2026 |work=[[Cincinnati Enquirer]] |date=March 13, 2026}} According to the sheriff of [[Bernalillo County, New Mexico]] — where McCasland resided — there was "no evidence indicating foul play" in his disappearance.{{cite web |title=BCSO Provides Updated Timeline and Description in Search for William “Neil” McCasland |url=https://www.bernco.gov/bernalillo-county-sheriff/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2026/03/PressRelease3.12.2026.pdf |website=bernco.gov |publisher=[[Bernalillo County, New Mexico|Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office]] |access-date=April 21, 2026}} |
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