He held the nation's deepest UFO secrets. Then he went to dinner and vanished.

Retired Major General William Neil McCasland vanished on February 27 after a meeting with Space Force members and an unknown woman.

Imagine holding secrets that could change how we see the universe. Then, just before those secrets come out, you disappear.

WHAT HAPPENED

William Neil McCasland was a top leader in the Air Force. He ran the Air Force Research Lab. He held a very high security clearance.

On February 27, the retired general vanished. His name is on a list of people tied to secret UFO files. These files are set to be released to the public soon.

Just hours before he went missing, he had dinner. He met with Space Force members and an unknown woman. Police bodycam audio recently revealed this final meeting.

An insider named David Grusch had called McCasland "hostile." Grusch said the general refused to help lawmakers learn about UFO programs.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

February 27: The date McCasland vanished.

• Last meeting: Dinner with Space Force and an unnamed woman.
• Past job: Head of the Air Force Research Lab.
• Security level: High-grade clearance with links to secret UFO files.
• Status: Called "hostile" by a government insider.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why do people with big secrets vanish right before they have to speak? It is easy to guess at dark plots, but the real issue is trust.

If the people who hold our deepest secrets can just fade away, how will we ever get the truth?

THE OTHER SIDE

There is no proof of foul play or that anyone hurt the general. The people at the dinner have not been accused of doing anything wrong. Right now, there is simply not enough proof to say why he left.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Police are still looking for the retired general.

For everyday people, this case makes the upcoming UFO files feel much more tense.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Who was the unknown woman at the dinner?

• What did they talk about at the table?
• Where is the general now?