Journalist Catherine Herridge told NewsNation she uncovered details of an investigation into suspected “directed energy” incidents on American soil, including a significant concentration near a government intelligence research facility in northern Virginia.
Report: Cluster of suspected cases in Virginia, dozens nationwide
“According to my national security contacts, I understand multiple incidents of suspected directed energy attacks were reported in 2021 involving U.S. government personnel who were investigating directed energy weapon technology and trying to reverse-engineer a device,” Herridge said on NewsNation. She added that “more than two dozen suspected incidents had been reported inside the U.S., including a significant number of cases at an off-site U.S. government intelligence research facility in northern Virginia.”
A clip of Herridge’s appearance was posted by the NewsNation program “Katie Pavlich Tonight” on X on September 4, 2026.
Veteran’s account: ‘Targeted in his own home’
Herridge interviewed a Space Force veteran who said he was “targeted in his own home outside Washington, D.C.” The source shared military medical records that reportedly documented “multiple conditions,” including a “traumatic brain injury” connected to his service. He claimed he was attacked “five times.”
“I believe it’s Russia,” the veteran told Herridge, adding, “I think the objective of what they’re doing is to disrupt American officials and prevent them from doing their mission in the military intelligence agencies.” He described it as “almost a form of terrorism.”
What is being described as ‘Havana Syndrome’
Herridge noted the reported symptoms align with what has been called Havana Syndrome — “debilitating brain injuries affecting diplomats, spies, military operatives, and even civilians,” named after a cluster in Cuba a decade ago.
Treatment urgency and technology claims
NewsNation also cited Dr. James Giordano of Georgetown University’s Center for Clinical Bioethics, who said, “Early intervention is going to be essential in being able to mitigate the cascade of signs and symptoms that can be so debilitating,” during an appearance on “Katie Pavlich Tonight.”
According to NewsNation, such weapons are part of the Pentagon’s stockpile and have become “increasingly compact and easier to conceal.”
Agencies did not reply to questions, Herridge says
Herridge wrote on X that “CIA, ODNI, DoW, DHS did not respond to questions seeking comment.”
