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By Jordan King
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More than 600 New Mexico residents have been asked to hand over their home security footage as part of the investigation into the disappearance of retired Major General William Neil McCasland.
The 68-year-old, who led major Air Force science and technology portfolios, has been missing since February 27—no sightings have been reported as of Monday, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said.
Why It Matters
McCasland previously led the Air Force Research Laboratory and other high-level space and technology programs, drawing heightened concern over his disappearance because of access to sensitive national security information.
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Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart described the case as a “grave national security crisis.”
What To Know
McCasland was last seen on February 27, 2026, at about 11 a.m. near Quail Run Court NE in Albuquerque, according to a Silver Alert issued by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, when the search entered its 11th day, a police spokesperson told The New York Post: “Investigators have contacted more than 600 homeowners in the neighborhood near Mr. McCasland’s residence to request security camera footage or information.”
McCasland is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, approximately 160 pounds, with blue eyes and white hair, according to police alert’s details.
Authorities previously encouraged the public to share tips via the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office tip line and Missing Persons Unit as part of ongoing search operations.
What People Are Saying
Journalist Coulthart, who is known for his work looking into UFOs, said during Sunday’s episode of his podcast, Reality Check with Ross Coulthart, that the disappearance is a “grave national security crisis,” as he is a man “with some of the most sensitive secrets of the United States in his head.”
“Investigators have contacted more than 600 homeowners in the neighborhood near Mr. McCasland’s residence to request security camera footage or information.”
Colonel Justin Secrest, base commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland, previously told the Albuquerque Journal: "We are coordinating closely with local authorities and defer all updates regarding the search efforts to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
Background
McCasland previously commanded the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and led a multibillion-dollar science and technology portfolio alongside customer-funded research and development.
He also served as commander of the Phillips Research Site at Kirtland Air Force Base and held senior acquisition roles at the Pentagon, according to his Air Force biography.
His name appeared in 2016 emails released by WikiLeaks involving John Podesta and musician Tom DeLonge, with DeLonge describing McCasland as an adviser on UFO-related projects; McCasland has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Newsweek has broken down more details about McCasland’s career and his involvement in Wikileaks here.
What Happens Next
Investigators will continue to gather and review home security footage from the area, seek additional tips from residents, and coordinate with federal partners as new leads emerge.
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