Feds investigating possible invisible energy attack near White House, report says

‘Havana Syndrome’ includes symptoms such as headaches, ringing ears, and hearing loss

Federal agencies are investigating at least two incidents on US soil that appear similar to previous suspected invisible energy attacks, including one that took place not far from the White House grounds, a report has said.

CNN has reported that the Pentagon and other agencies are investigating two mysterious episodes that caused illness in personnel, one of which reportedly took place on the south side of the White House lawn in November.

Speculation surrounding such unexplained incidents has long provoked intrigue since 2016 when employees of the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, reported experiencing unusual and unexplained symptoms.

Victims of the attacks have reported developing symptoms after hearing strange grating or vibrating sounds.

The condition, which has since become known as “Havana Syndrome,” includes symptoms such as headaches, ringing ears, hearing loss, memory loss, and impacts to balance and has since been reported by more officials on US soil.

The possible incident near the White House is said to have taken place on a large oval lawn near the executive mansion and sickened one National Security Council official, multiple sources told CNN.

Another incident, in 2019, involved an unnamed White House employee, who GQ reported was affected after she was allegedly targeted by a man while walking her dog in Arlington, Virginia.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter tell CNN that the federal agencies investigating the incidents have reached no concrete conclusions regarding the causes.

Investigators have reportedly not determined whether the bizarre incidents are connected to those that have occurred abroad or who may be responsible, the broadcaster said.

This week, Politico reported that the Pentagon briefed top lawmakers on such incidents and said that defense officials said it was possible Russia was behind the attacks.

Russia has denied any responsibility.

While the root of the attacks is still unknown, one State Department-sponsored study found they likely were the result of microwave energy attacks.

In December last year, the report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine said the most likely source of the illness was “directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy.”

In 2019, research by a leading sociologist and an expert in neurodegenerative diseases suggested the diseases were caused by “emotional trauma and fear”.

Since 2016, nearly 50 American officials have fallen ill with the syndrome.

“There is nothing that the Secretary of Defense takes more seriously that [sic] the safety, health and welfare of our personnel serving around the globe in defense of our values and freedoms,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told CNN.

“Any concerns on issues that call that into question are thoroughly reviewed, and the appropriate actions are taken to mitigate risks to our personnel.”

The Department of Defence referred an enquiry regarding this report to the National Security Council and The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.