Comer Calls Missing Scientists 'National Security Threat' as Story Reaches Mainstream Press

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer told reporters that the pattern of eleven dead and missing US scientists represented a national security threat: 'It does appear that there's a high possibility that something sinister is taking place here. Our committee is making this one of our priorities now because we view this as a national security threat.' CNN, Fortune, the Washington Times and NBC News all carried the story on 21 April, marking the point at which the missing scientists investigation moved from partisan and niche coverage into sustained mainstream national attention. Representative Tim Burchett told WFMD that the probe had been 'sparked' by the disappearance of retired Air Force Major General Neil McCasland in February.