Claim · E-014
Luis Elizondo: Maintains that a faction within the government regarded the phenomenon as demonic in nature and for that reason obstructed research; in the 2019 version reported by Colavito, Christian conservatives allegedly had AAWSAP shut down for fear of demons.
Luis Elizondo · May 2019 · Interview with Den of Geek (2019, reported by Jason Colavito); account relayed in 2023 by Ron James (MUFON); book Imminent (2024) (Interview)
Hearsay AATIP and AAWSAP
Disputed
The official reasons for the end of funding are different (other priorities, lack of merit), while the religious beliefs of individual officials are not verifiable.
- In support
- In the book Imminent (2024) he reports briefings in which terms such as archangels, angels, demons and spiritual realm were used; in 2023 Ron James (MUFON) relayed a similar account by Elizondo.
- Against or denials
- In December 2017, Pentagon spokesman Thomas Crosson explained that the funds ended in 2012 because there were other, higher-priority matters; according to the 2024 AARO report, the DIA canceled the program in 2012 for lack of merit and of usefulness of its results; as early as November 2009 the DIA was anticipating the end of the contract after fiscal year 2010.
Sources
- Jason Colavito – two articles on “demons” in the Department of Defense, May 23, 2019 (analysis, skeptical)
- Relevant Magazine, September 29, 2023 (press)
- Justin Snead – what Elizondo's book adds to the historical reconstruction (analysis)
- Nextgov – the Pentagon confirms the $22 million UFO program, December 18, 2017 (press)
On this site
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