On April 22, 2025, veteran investigative journalist Catherine Herridge released a bombshell video report on X, shedding light on the disturbing reality of Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) attacks targeting U.S. personnel both at home and abroad. The report, viewed widely across social media, features a top U.S. neuroscientist and military advisor who confirms that reports of DEW attacks are “credible,” while newly obtained medical records provide concrete evidence of microwave weapon injuries sustained by a retired counterintelligence officer. Herridge’s findings have reignited concerns about national security, government accountability, and the invisible threats posed by advanced weaponry.
The Evolution of a Hidden Threat
The controversy surrounding DEWs dates back to 2016, when U.S. diplomats in Havana, Cuba, began experiencing mysterious symptoms—headaches, dizziness, hearing loss, and memory issues—in what became known as Havana Syndrome. Initially dismissed by the U.S. government as mass hysteria, a 2020 National Academies of Sciences report later identified pulsed microwave energy as the most plausible cause. Since then, over 130 American diplomats, troops, and intelligence officers have reported similar symptoms worldwide, according to The Independent [Web ID: 0]. Herridge’s report builds on this foundation, revealing that these attacks are not confined to foreign soil but have also occurred within the U.S.
The video highlights the mechanics of DEWs, which include sonic devices and scalable, directable microwaves. These weapons are designed for “maximum disruption,” allowing attackers to strike swiftly and leave before the effects are fully realized. The neuroscientist explains how DEWs can disrupt brain networks, causing brain cell death and triggering a “domino effect” of neurological damage—a pattern consistent with the injuries reported by victims.
Mike Beck’s Ordeal: A Precursor to Havana Syndrome
Central to Herridge’s report is the story of Mike Beck, a retired National Security Agency (NSA) counterintelligence officer who has been living in assisted care since his health deteriorated. Beck’s troubles began in 1996 during a classified operation in a hostile country, where he and his partner uncovered a secret operation targeting the U.S. Shortly after, Beck began experiencing symptoms that led to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2006—a condition he attributes to a DEW attack.
Herridge obtained exclusive medical records that document Beck’s brain injuries, which align with the effects of microwave exposure. These findings predate the 2016 Havana Syndrome cases by two decades, suggesting that DEW attacks on U.S. personnel may have a longer history than previously acknowledged. A 2023 Washington Post article detailed Beck’s struggle to have his condition recognized as work-related, noting that an NSA counterintelligence agent had deemed the attack “highly probable” [Web ID: 1]. Despite eventually winning workers’ compensation, Beck faces ongoing challenges: the U.S. government is three months behind on payments for his assisted living, totaling over $25,000 in arrears as of April 2025.
Domestic and Global Implications
Herridge’s report underscores the domestic scope of the DEW threat. In 2021, a federal investigation near the White House explored a possible DEW attack after employees reported symptoms similar to Havana Syndrome, raising alarms about vulnerabilities on U.S. soil [Web ID: 0]. The video also references unverified claims circulating on X, such as a February 2025 post by Ike Wingate alleging that General Mark Milley authorized DEW use against January 6th protesters, a claim attributed to Blaze journalist Stephen Baker but still under investigation [Thread 1].
Globally, the U.S., Russia, and China lead the development of DEW technology. China has been open about its Microwave Active Denial System (CMADS) for crowd control since at least 2019, according to the state-run Global Times [Web ID: 3]. The U.S. has also invested heavily in DEWs, with Raytheon developing high-power microwave systems since 2018 to disable drone swarms, reflecting the technology’s growing military applications [Web ID: 2]. Russia’s advancements remain less transparent, but its history of microwave research is well-documented, fueling concerns about its role in these attacks.
Voices of the Targeted
Beck is not alone in his suffering. The video mentions a CIA whistleblower known as “Alice,” who was targeted by a DEW in Africa, adding to a growing list of U.S. personnel reporting attacks across continents since the early 2000s. These incidents, spanning from Africa to Asia, highlight the global reach of this threat. Victims like Beck and Alice face not only physical and neurological challenges but also bureaucratic hurdles, as the U.S. government has been slow to provide support or transparency.
Herridge’s report notes that the Trump administration was the first to publicly address Havana Syndrome in 2018, with then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acknowledging the issue. Current Secretary of State Marco Rubio has continued to advocate for transparency, stating in the video that the issue remains a priority, though he has previously questioned whether these incidents were deliberate attacks.
A Call for Accountability
Beck’s story culminates in a poignant appeal to President Trump, urging him to take action on behalf of DEW victims. Beck claims the U.S. government holds “critical evidence” about these attacks and the weapons involved but has failed to act decisively. His call for accountability resonates with a broader demand for answers, as the government’s sluggish response has left victims struggling for recognition and support.
Herridge’s report has sparked significant reactions on X, with users like
@JerichoXVI noting the potential misuse of DEWs against civilians, and
@TexasMom1776 speculating about their role in events like the Maui wildfires—though no official evidence supports such claims [Thread 0]. The report has also reignited debates about government transparency, with
@D_q_0807 remarking that the term “conspiracy theorist” may no longer apply as long-suppressed truths come to light.
The Path Forward
Catherine Herridge’s video is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and the urgent need to address emerging threats like DEWs. As these weapons become more sophisticated, their ability to cause invisible but devastating harm poses a unique challenge to national security. The U.S. government’s reluctance to fully acknowledge and address these attacks has left victims like Mike Beck in limbo, while the public demands greater transparency.
With credible evidence mounting, the question is no longer whether DEW attacks are happening but how the U.S. will respond. Herridge’s reporting has brought this issue to the forefront, and the pressure is now on policymakers to act—before the next attack strikes closer to home.
Watch Catherine Herridge’s full video report on X at https://x.com/C__Herridge/status/1914689369157349784.
