The chair of the Federal Secrets Declassification Task Force, Anna Paulina Luna (Republican-Florida), opened today’s hearing, September 9, in the U.S. Congress, titled “Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection.” In her speech, Luna highlighted the lack of transparency from the federal government and intelligence communities in investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and emphasized the importance of addressing these national security threats in a recognized and official manner.
This was the third public hearing of its kind in the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing together key witnesses and new evidence on UFOs/UAPs, reinforcing the Congress’s efforts to provide public answers about the reality of the phenomenon.
The first two hearings also marked historic moments since 2023. The first, held on July 26, 2023, focused on the implications of UAPs for national security and the need for greater government transparency. Participants included Ryan Graves, executive director of Americans for Safe Aerospace, who shared experiences of sightings by commercial pilots, and David Grusch, a former member of the Department of Defense’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, who claimed the existence of secret programs involving UAPs and non-human technologies.
The second hearing, held on November 13, 2024, and titled “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth,” brought new testimonies and deepened the discussion on national security risks. Participants included Luis Elizondo, former director of the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, who reported UAPs pursuing Navy ships at speeds and G-forces beyond what humans could withstand, and retired Admiral Dr. Tim Gallaudet, who advocated for greater transparency and questioned the monopoly of information regarding the phenomena.
Together, these three hearings reflect a continuous effort by the U.S. Congress to investigate UAPs in an official and scientific manner, bringing new evidence to light and reinforcing the government’s responsibility to provide public answers on one of today’s most intriguing and controversial phenomena.
In this new hearing, five main witnesses participated: Jeffrey Nuccetelli, U.S. Air Force veteran; Chief Alexandro Wiggins, UAP witness; George Knapp, UAP journalist; Dylan Borland, UAP witness and U.S. Air Force veteran; and Joe Spielberger, Senior Policy Counsel at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO).
Among the participants, Jeffrey Nuccetelli, a U.S. Air Force veteran, stood out for reporting several encounters with UAPs at Vandenberg Air Force Base between 2003 and 2005. He described incidents involving large, bright objects over critical defense areas, such as the so-called Vandenberg Red Square, a glowing red square that hovered over strategic installations, as well as appearances of triangular objects and light orbs that moved unusually and appeared solid. Nuccetelli also shared a personal experience in his backyard, when a large blue-white orb rapidly changed position in the sky.
These events were witnessed by multiple military personnel, documented, and investigated, but often kept secret and accompanied by threats to maintain silence. Nuccetelli emphasized that these phenomena were not rumors or misidentifications, but unresolved incursions over one of the most important bases in the U.S.
He concluded by calling on Congress to take three key actions: fund independent research and treat the study of UAPs with scientific seriousness; end excessive secrecy and classification of information, ensuring transparency; and protect witnesses, encouraging more people to share their experiences without fear of retaliation. According to Nuccetelli, investigating these phenomena could lead to transformative advances in technology, biology, and human understanding, and the time is now to choose courage, transparency, and progress in the pursuit of truth.
"We stand at a pivotal moment in history.” – Jeffrey Nuccetelli, USAF Veteran
He laid out 3 clear goals for Congress:
1️⃣ Fund independent UAP research
2️⃣ End secrecy & overclassification
3️⃣ Protect witnesses
The moment to act is now. pic.twitter.com/MovQs6au0Z
— UAP Disclosure Fund (@UAPDF) September 9, 2025The second witness to testify, Chief Alexandro Wiggins, a U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer and active-duty veteran with approximately 23 years of service, presented his testimony in a personal capacity, clarifying that his views did not represent the official position of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or any government agency. Wiggins reported an incident that occurred on February 15, 2023, at approximately 7:15 p.m. PST, in the W-291 Warning Area off the Southern California coast, while serving aboard the USS Jackson (LCS-6).
He described visually observing a self-luminous “Tic-Tac”-shaped object emerging from the ocean, a transmedium phenomenon, which then linked up with three other similar objects. All four objects departed simultaneously in a highly synchronized and nearly instantaneous movement, without producing a sonic boom or any conventional propulsion signature. Wiggins emphasized that the objects had no visible control surfaces or exhaust plumes, characteristics inconsistent with conventional aircraft or drones.
The encounter was recorded by multiple sensors aboard the USS Jackson, including radar and video using the Star SAFIRE multi-spectral EO/IR system, with time and location overlays corroborating the visual observations. He highlighted that the event was documented internally by the crew and later publicized by journalists, including Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp, to ensure an accurate, first-hand record and reduce stigma for other service members who may witness similar phenomena.
Wiggins concluded that the operating area near the Southern California coast, where the incident occurred, warrants systematic observation and unbiased reporting, emphasizing the importance of improving safety, reporting fidelity, and rigorous analysis of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena in U.S. operating areas.
"A self luminous Tic Tac object emerged from the ocean"
Navy Chief Alex Wiggins testifies before Congress about a Tic Tac UFO filmed in 2023 by the USS Jackson pic.twitter.com/5JuqOyawLy
— Red Panda Koala (@RedPandaKoala) September 9, 2025The third witness to testify, journalist George Knapp, chief investigative reporter for KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, began his statement clarifying that he is neither a whistleblower nor a direct UFO witness, but has been investigating the subject for over 38 years. Knapp emphasized that his interest is not in believing in aliens, but in covering one of the largest and most significant journalistic stories of his career, based on documents, records, and evidence that often contradict what the public is officially told.
Knapp explained that his investigation began with government documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which revealed internal information from agencies such as the Air Force, CIA, FBI, and NASA. These documents showed that many UFO reports were considered real, exhibiting exceptional and evasive flight characteristics, contrary to the public narrative. He stressed that this discrepancy between what was reported publicly and what was documented internally motivated him to pursue the story as a journalist.
The reporter also addressed UFO crash retrieval and reverse engineering programs, mentioning cases involving Bob Lazar and S-4, as well as the AAWSAP program, funded by the U.S. government and managed by Robert Bigelow. AAWSAP employed hundreds of researchers and accumulated a massive amount of data on UFO cases, including studies of their effects on humans. Knapp detailed threats received by sources who shared information, including veiled warnings and surveillance, highlighting the risks faced by those involved in the investigation.
Additionally, Knapp discussed Soviet programs studying UFOs, showing that the USSR also conducted systematic investigations, including analysis of high-speed evasive objects and incidents involving nuclear missiles that could not be deactivated due to UFO interference, suggesting advanced technological capabilities of these objects.
Knapp concluded that both the U.S. and Russia have conducted extensive research on UFOs, including reverse engineering and study of unknown materials, much of which remains classified. He emphasized that his journalistic work aims to clarify the truth through documentation, interviews, and detailed analysis of archives, providing a rigorous, evidence-based perspective on the phenomenon.
Rep. Luna says she may subpoena Sean Kirkpatrick following George Knapp’s testimony that AARO appears to have operated as a counterintelligence effort to discredit UFO whistleblowers. pic.twitter.com/G3iy0RPOmP
— UAP James (@UAPJames) September 9, 2025The fourth witness to testify, Dylan Borland, a former U.S. Air Force geospatial intelligence specialist and federal whistleblower, provided a detailed account of his direct experiences with UAPs and the retaliation he endured for coming forward. Borland served in active duty from 2010 to 2013 and later worked as a senior analyst for BAE Systems and Intrepid Solutions, specializing in video, radar, and electro-optical intelligence. He emphasized that his testimony is grounded in personal, firsthand knowledge of craft and technologies that are not of U.S. origin and that reportedly operate without Congressional oversight.
Borland recounted a 2012 incident at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, where he observed a roughly 100-foot-long equilateral triangular craft hovering near him. The object emitted no sound, caused no kinetic disturbances, and appeared to be made of a fluid-like material. It then ascended rapidly to commercial jet altitude within seconds, again without any conventional flight signatures. Later in his career, Borland was exposed to classified information through a Special Access Program connected to UAP legacy crash retrieval efforts, during which he witnessed widespread misconduct and retaliation against personnel involved in these programs.
He detailed the personal consequences of exposing these truths, including obstruction of his career, harassment, falsification of employment records, manipulation of his security clearance, and blacklisting from intelligence community positions. Borland stated that these experiences led him to come forward as a whistleblower in March 2023, motivated by concern for public safety and the need to inform elected representatives of the realities within the executive branch.
Borland highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by whistleblowers, noting that many are professionally marginalized, isolated, and denied justice despite providing critical information about UAPs. He concluded by emphasizing the urgency of Congressional action, framing UAP disclosure as essential for national security and humanity’s technological future, asserting that the time to act is now.
U.S. Air Force Veteran Dylan Borland testifies on witnessing a silent “100 foot equilateral triangle” which “rapidly ascended to commercial jet level in seconds” at Langley AFB.
“I was further exposed to classified information from the UAP Legacy Crash Retrieval Program.” pic.twitter.com/H3Tw5BhqIm
— UAP James (@UAPJames) September 9, 2025The hearing also featured testimony from Joe Spielberger, Senior Policy Counsel at the Project On Government Oversight (POGO), a nonpartisan, independent organization dedicated to investigating and exposing waste, corruption, and abuse of power in government. Spielberger emphasized the importance of strengthening whistleblower protections, especially in the context of national security, noting that whistleblowers are often the first line of defense against wrongdoing in federal agencies.
He explained that whistleblowers face significant risks, including job loss, damage to their reputation, and potential legal or criminal retaliation. Furthermore, retaliation against whistleblowers not only violates their legal rights but also undermines public trust in the government and allows misconduct to continue unchecked. Spielberger highlighted that, although Congress has passed bipartisan whistleblower protection laws, these laws still need updating and expansion to provide effective safeguards, hold retaliators accountable, and encourage public servants to report wrongdoing safely.
Spielberger stressed that national security whistleblowers face even greater challenges due to the complexity of reporting systems and limited legal protections. He offered specific recommendations, including establishing independent reporting mechanisms, revisiting the Navy v. Egan precedent, expanding the right of military whistleblowers to appeal directly to courts, and closing loopholes in protections for federal contractors. He concluded by stating that whistleblowers play an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust, and that Congress must continue to support and strengthen protections for them.
Joe Spielberger (Minority Witness) Senior Policy Counsel & Project On Government Oversight (POGO @POGOwatchdog), today gave his verbal statement while under oath to the Congressional Oversight Committee 📅 Sep. 9, 2025 https://t.co/RQiEusj2Fx pic.twitter.com/tNptnrQ1V5
— Tio Red Octo 🐙 W. κρυπτός 𒀭𒀀𒉣𒈾 🜃Φ🌹🇵🇸𓂀 🪬 (@Gandalf_ElPulpo) September 9, 2025In addition to the important testimonies, some evidence was also presented, including a striking and impressive video shown during the hearing by Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO). The previously unreleased video shows an MQ-9 Reaper drone firing an AGM-114 Hellfire missile at an unidentified object. The Hellfire hits the object, which then continues traveling. The U.S. military apparently authorized a kinetic action against a UAP.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna shared the video on her X account, noting that it was a new military surveillance video.
“No witness had knowledge of any American military technology capable of such a feat. All the witnesses described the footage as extremely frightening,” she said.
In today’s UAP hearing, we revealed new military surveillance video showing a UAP splitting a Hellfire missile in mid-air.
Not a single witness was aware of any U.S. military technology capable of such a feat.
Every witness described the footage as extremely “scary”. pic.twitter.com/8fV65r6RGd
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) September 9, 2025Of course, it is far too early to draw any conclusions. The video, while striking, requires a more detailed analysis; nevertheless, it joins the ranks of highly significant evidence regarding the phenomenon surrounding us and will undoubtedly make the U.S. and the world reconsider what kind of technology we are truly dealing with.
Another piece of evidence presented was a video that was already publicly known and had been released by investigative journalist Jeremy Corbell in April of this year. It shows a Tic Tac UFO filmed in 2023 by the U.S. Navy ship USS Jackson performing erratic maneuvers. The video was presented at the hearing by Chief Alexandro Wiggins, one of the witnesses to the event, who described: “A self-luminous Tic Tac object emerged from the ocean.”
“There is something out there, and we, as a people, should know what it is.”
🚨NEW: UFO Footage from U.S. Navy Warship
The Tic-Tac shaped UAP was 1 of 4 objects observed by crew onboard the USS Jackson in 2023.
“Somebody’s looking out on the bridge. They see one of these craft come up out of the water and rise up.”
Source: Jeremy Corbell / WEAPONIZED pic.twitter.com/li8mnCFB8A
— UAP James (@UAPJames) April 8, 2025Other key moments from the hearing came when Representative Anna Paulina Luna stated that she might subpoena Sean Kirkpatrick, former director of the AARO, to testify. Her remarks followed journalist George Knapp’s testimony that AARO appeared to have operated as a counterintelligence effort to discredit UFO whistleblowers.
In addition, Knapp named high-ranking figures involved in safeguarding secret programs related to UAPs, identifying James Ryder, former vice president of Lockheed Martin, and Glenn Gaffney, former CIA Director of Science and Technology, as gatekeepers of a Special Access Program related to UAPs.
“I don’t blame these contractors for doing what our government asked them to do. They were supposed to lie,” Knapp stated.
George Knapp names former Lockheed Martin VP James Ryder and former CIA Director of Science & Technology Glenn Gaffney as UAP Special Access Program gatekeepers.
“I don’t fault these contractors for doing what they were asked to do by our Government. They’re supposed to lie.” pic.twitter.com/gVPSLDu6HK
— UAP James (@UAPJames) September 9, 2025The recent UAP public hearing held in the U.S. House of Representatives marked a significant step in the ongoing pursuit of transparency surrounding one of the most mysterious and controversial phenomena of our time. With powerful testimonies from military witnesses, journalists, and experts, along with the presentation of compelling evidence—including a striking video of an MQ-9 Reaper drone firing a missile at an unknown object—the event shed new light on questions of national security and advanced technology that defy conventional explanation.
While it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, the material presented has greatly intensified the pressure on the U.S. government to disclose what it truly knows about these phenomena. The possibility of future subpoenas, such as one aimed at Sean Kirkpatrick, former director of the AARO, and the naming of high-level figures tied to special access programs—such as James Ryder, Glenn Gaffney, and Douglas Wolfe—suggests that scrutiny is tightening around key individuals involved in managing sensitive UAP-related information.
This hearing not only underscores the urgent need for independent and thorough investigations but also invites the world to reflect on the nature of these technologies. As Chief Alexandro Wiggins stated:
“There’s something out there, and we, as a people, should know what it is.”
The debate is only just beginning, and the revelations that lie ahead may forever change humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe.
