1993-10-24 – George Knapp – UFOs

Show: Area 2000

Air Date: October 24, 1993

Guest(s): George Knapp

Topic(s): UFOs

The show features guest George Knapp, a renowned journalist in the field of UFO research.

The segment focuses on a bizarre cattle mutilation incident in Bender, Arkansas. Farmer Mark Ewing experiences strange occurrences involving his cattle, including the discovery of a dead, pregnant cow with unusual injuries and missing parts. This event mirrors another similar case in Alabama earlier that year. The mutilations are characterized by precision cuts, absence of blood, and the peculiar removal of specific body parts. These incidents leave local authorities puzzled, attributing the cuts to sharp instruments but unable to explain the bizarre circumstances fully.

The show delves into further eerie events related to these mutilations, like animals’ abnormal reactions and unexplainable changes to the mutilation sites. These mysterious incidents contribute to the overall intriguing and mysterious aura of the show, capturing listeners’ attention with the unexplained and the unknown.

In a particular incident, a farmer’s son-in-law witnesses a large ball of light emitting beams, as if searching the ground, near their home. This sighting, along with the earlier discussed cattle mutilation in Arkansas, piques interest as it adds an unexplained aerial phenomenon to the mix.

Investigators look into these incidents and find that there are no other reports of similar events in the area, except for a recent dog mutilation. The show emphasizes the importance of local reports in uncovering such peculiar incidents, which often don’t make it to national news. The details of these cases are often quite strange and complex, involving precision cuts and other unexplained features.

Linda Howe discusses the possible explanations for these mutilations, discounting the likelihood of them being the work of satanic cults or government experiments. She explains that the meticulous nature of the mutilations, often involving ‘cooked’ hemoglobin at the excision sites, points away from conventional explanations like disease or predators. The global span of these incidents, dating back at least 30 years, further complicates the mystery.

The discussion then shifts to the possible connection between these mutilations and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). From the very first reported cases, like the famous “Snippy the horse” incident in 1967, there have been associations with strange lights and objects in the sky. These include bizarre lights or what appear to be searchlights from helicopters in areas where mutilated animals were later found.

Linda Howe discusses how she initially approached the topic of animal mutilations as an environmental story. With a background in journalism and a focus on science, medicine, and environmental issues, Linda brings credibility to the discussion. She emphasizes the importance of paying attention to phenomena like animal mutilations and human abductions, which she refers to as “glimpses of other realities,” due to their potential implications for our planet.

Art expresses admiration for Linda’s investigative work and her transition from traditional scientific research to exploring the UFO connection in these cases. The show then introduces George Knapp, an award-winning investigative reporter known for his documentaries on UFOs. Knapp’s work has been recognized by UPI (United Press International), the Associated Press, and the Fund for UFO Research. He is currently a senior vice president at Altamira Communications in Las Vegas, where he produces comprehensive UFO documentary series. The show notes his significant contribution to UFO investigations, including his reporting on allegations by physicist Bob Lazar about secret programs in the Nevada desert.

Art and Knapp discuss Knapp’s career journey, highlighting his traditional approach to journalism, focusing on organized crime, medical corruption, and political coverage. Knapp shares his transition to UFO research, which began in 1977 and was influenced by encounters with John Lear, who provided him with MJ-12 documents and other UFO-related material. This encounter sparked Knapp’s interest in UFOs and led him to investigate further, despite initially being skeptical.

Knapp credits John Lear for sparking his interest in UFOs, despite disagreeing with Lear on several issues. Knapp was initially skeptical but became convinced of the UFO phenomenon’s validity after reviewing credible evidence and engaging with reputable individuals in the field. He expresses surprise that other mainstream journalists hadn’t taken a serious look at the UFO topic.

The segment discusses Knapp’s local television show, where he invited John Lear to speak on UFOs, resulting in an overwhelming public response. This demonstrated a significant public interest in UFOs, which Knapp felt mainstream journalism often overlooked. Knapp believes that there’s a global, innate sense among people that UFOs and extraterrestrial interactions are real, even if they don’t fully understand the details.

Art, the host, inquires about the impact of Knapp’s UFO research on his mainstream journalism career. Knapp acknowledges that while his work on UFOs has been damaging to his professional reputation among his colleagues, it has resonated well with the public. He mentions facing criticism and ridicule in the media but remains undeterred, considering it part of the territory when tackling controversial topics like UFOs.

Knapp emphasizes his interest lies more in the government’s response to UFO phenomena rather than the phenomena themselves. Although he admits he doesn’t fully grasp the cosmic implications of extraterrestrial visits, he is convinced of their reality and the existence of interactions with other intelligences. His approach as a reporter is to focus on tangible evidence and government actions related to UFOs, while acknowledging that there are deeper aspects to these phenomena that he may not fully understand.

Knapp believes the UFO phenomenon is more benign than malevolent, citing the advanced technology demonstrated by UFOs. He speculates that the entities behind these UFOs seem more interested in helping themselves to something from Earth rather than directly aiding or harming humanity.

Regarding Bob Lazar, who claimed to have worked on reverse-engineering alien technology at Area 51, Knapp expresses his belief that Lazar is truthful. He acknowledges that Lazar’s story contains gaps and unverifiable elements and that Lazar might have been subjected to disinformation strategies by those running the secret program. Despite these challenges, Knapp feels that there is too much corroborative information supporting Lazar’s claims to dismiss them outright.

Knapp also comments on the treatment of the Lazar story by UFO publications and the mainstream press. He notes a general skepticism and focus on trivial aspects of Lazar’s personal life rather than the substance of his claims. Knapp criticizes the local Nevada media for not investigating Lazar’s story, despite its potential significance.

The discussion then shifts to Knapp’s experiences with government disinformation campaigns and the challenges of reporting on UFO-related topics. He references an incident where a Japan Airlines flight encountered a large unidentified object, which was initially dismissed by authorities as a misidentification of a planet.

George Knapp discusses intriguing aspects of Bob Lazar’s claims and the challenges in verifying them. Lazar had stated that he worked at Area 51, where he witnessed hangars containing alien spacecraft. Knapp highlights Lazar’s assertion that the propulsion systems of these crafts were not of Earth origin.

Knapp shares that two individuals with high-level security clearances recently flew over the area Lazar described, finding no evidence of hangars or spacecraft. However, the area remains highly restricted airspace, making thorough investigation challenging. He also notes that some sources claimed the site had never been used for such programs and was still contaminated from past nuclear testing, which Knapp believes to be false.

A key piece of evidence discussed is a Soviet satellite photo, purchased by a company in California, showing what appears to be a flying saucer over the area Lazar described. This photo, analyzed by former NASA experts, reportedly shows not only the saucer but also roads leading to the area and parked black boxes outside hangars. If authentic, this could corroborate Lazar’s claims.

Knapp addresses the potential for digital manipulation in photographic evidence, noting that the photo’s authenticity is being scrutinized by top experts. He suggests that if the photo were altered, it could be easily verified by obtaining another copy from the same date from the Russians.

The segment also touches on increased Russian satellite surveillance of the area after May 1989, the time of Lazar’s first public appearance discussing these matters. Knapp speculates this could be due to the Russians observing the technology or being part of the program initially and then being excluded.

George Knapp continues discussing the intricacies of UFO phenomena and government cover-ups. He explains that while there is ample talk, leaked documents, and books on the subject, the lack of proper context means it often doesn’t impact people’s daily lives. He describes the UFO phenomenon as a “non-secret secret,” widely discussed yet not fully acknowledged in mainstream discourse.

Knapp draws a parallel between UFO secrecy and the Kennedy assassination conspiracy, suggesting that even if concrete evidence were presented, it would be lost amidst the plethora of existing theories. He reflects on the impact of his documentary “The Best Evidence” on the local audience, contrasting it with national exposés, which often get lost in the entertainment milieu.

Despite inquiries from various producers, Knapp’s work has not been nationally broadcast. He speculates that his material, while still interesting, may seem outdated given the rapid development of the UFO topic.

Knapp reveals his current project with Altamira Communications, aiming to produce a comprehensive series of UFO documentaries. The series plans to cover various aspects of the phenomenon, including abductions, crop circles, and government cover-ups, in an in-depth and serious manner. He outlines ten programs, each an hour to an hour and a half long, emphasizing the importance of presenting the material in a format that encourages serious consideration.

He expresses excitement about the project, highlighting efforts to interview knowledgeable individuals in the field while avoiding conspiracy buffs and zealots. The goal is to differentiate credible information from fanciful claims.

The series is intended for direct home video release, marketed through television and other venues. Knapp believes it’s crucial for such content to be accessible in homes, considering its significance.

The discussion also touches on remote viewing, indicating its relevance in the broader context of paranormal and extraterrestrial phenomena.

George Knapp expands on the concept of remote viewing and its intriguing connections to UFOs and alien intelligence. He initially approached remote viewing with skepticism, preferring more tangible forms of evidence like documents and witness testimonies. However, his perspective shifted after a trip to Russia, where he learned about a program run by a high-ranking Russian general, focusing on what they term “enhanced human potential.”

This program, differing from traditional views of psychic research, aims to teach regular people to tap into a universal consciousness. This ability, which the Russians believe everyone possesses to some extent, allegedly allows individuals to connect with alien intelligence. Knapp witnessed Russian training films demonstrating these techniques, where subjects performed tasks with remarkable accuracy, such as locating hidden targets and hitting them without visual aid.

Knapp was surprised to learn that the Russians claim this enhanced consciousness can establish contact with alien beings. He acknowledges the strangeness of these claims but emphasizes the credibility of his sources – top Russian military officials who take the program seriously and incorporate it into their training.

The United States also has a similar program, albeit less advanced than the Russian one. Knapp’s contacts in the U.S. government, who are involved in this project and interested in UFOs, have informed him of encounters with alien beings during remote viewing sessions.

Discussing the differences between the American and Russian approaches, Knapp notes that the U.S. program works with individuals who have already demonstrated psychic abilities, whereas the Russian program focuses on training average people without prior psychic experiences.

Following his trip to Russia, Knapp facilitated a meeting between his contacts in Washington and Moscow, leading to an agreement for joint research on remote viewing. This collaboration aims to combine the insights and techniques of both nations.

Knapp also comments on the widespread interest in psychic phenomena in post-communist Russia, cautioning against dismissing these developments as mere eccentricities without understanding the cultural context they emerge from.

Knapp addresses the skepticism often faced by those who research paranormal phenomena like remote viewing, particularly from figures like the Amazing Randi. Knapp notes that debunking these phenomena is often easier than proving them, but he stresses the importance of not dismissing these topics outright without proper investigation.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of alien abductions. Knapp agrees with other guests on the show that the increasing number of abduction reports is where the focus of UFO research is heading. He highlights the work of researchers like Bud Hopkins, Linda Howe, and Dr. John Mack of Harvard, who have documented these encounters. Knapp emphasizes that many of these abduction experiences involve individuals with physical evidence and genuine emotional trauma, suggesting that these are not mere fabrications.

Knapp also discusses his own involvement in a 1993 documentary on UFO phenomena. He remains cautious about declaring any definitive conclusions, particularly regarding recently obtained photos of alleged UFOs, due to the potential for digital manipulation in the modern era.

Regarding hypnotic regression as a tool in abduction research, Knapp acknowledges its value while noting the potential for misuse. He shares his experience observing hypnotic sessions conducted by John Carpenter with a Nevada family experiencing alien encounters. Knapp was impressed by Carpenter’s technique, which seemed to avoid leading the subjects and instead encouraged them to independently recall their experiences.

Knapp’s approach as a mainstream journalist is to carefully scrutinize these cases, knowing the importance of maintaining credibility in the field. He understands that once credibility is lost in reporting such controversial topics, it is difficult to regain.

Knapp engages with the public, answering calls and discussing various UFO-related phenomena. The conversation delves into topics like crop circles and their potential connection to UFOs. Knapp shares his belief that there is a significant connection between anomalous aerial phenomena and crop circles, citing witness accounts and changes observed in plants and soil. He also mentions that several researchers have reported intense government and intelligence agency interest in crop circles, including attempts to control the flow of information about them.

One caller shares his experiences of strange occurrences during road trips, including missing time and unexplained car malfunctions, which Knapp relates to common elements in alien abduction cases. He notes that such experiences often involve missing time and are not isolated events but part of a pattern that can follow families for generations.

The conversation then shifts to a caller’s concern about the “new world order” and its potential connection to UFO phenomena and alien intentions. Knapp expresses skepticism about the existence of a new world order conspiracy, emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind but also the need for compelling evidence. He suggests that some UFO researchers who branch out into conspiracy theories might be motivated by profit, personal agendas, or a desire for attention, rather than solid evidence.

Knapp discusses the concept of a “New World Order” and its alleged connection to UFOs and aliens. He expresses skepticism about the existence of secret treaties with aliens or a global conspiracy to establish a one-world government. While acknowledging possible government collusion in UFO cover-ups, he doesn’t find compelling evidence of a broader political agenda involving extraterrestrials.

Responding to a caller’s question about convincing skeptics of UFOs, Knapp suggests a gradual approach, recommending books like “Top Secret/Majic” by Stanton Friedman as a good starting point. He emphasizes that belief in UFOs often develops slowly through personal research and contemplation.

Regarding his career, Knapp admits uncertainty about his future after completing his current documentary series. While UFO research dominates his interest, he acknowledges the possibility of exploring other subjects if conclusive UFO evidence surfaces or the phenomenon is resolved.

Knapp strongly affirms that if he had conclusive, incontrovertible evidence of extraterrestrial presence, he would publicly disclose it, adhering to journalistic ethics. However, he admits that if presented with compelling national security or psychological readiness arguments by the government, he might reconsider, though he remains generally skeptical of government credibility.

A caller compares alien abductions to human research on animals, suggesting extraterrestrials might be conducting zoological studies on humans. Knapp finds this a fair comparison, noting that abductees often report physical examinations and sample collections similar to human scientific research on animals.

The discussion also touches on the Philadelphia Experiment and the Montauk Project. Knapp is familiar with these topics but remains cautious about fully endorsing their authenticity without more concrete evidence.

A key focus is the nature of alien abductions. Knapp discusses the theory that aliens might be interested in something uniquely human, such as the soul, and the possibility of creating hybrids. He references researchers like David Jacobs, Bud Hopkins, and Dr. John Mack, who suggest that these abductions involve more than just physical examinations and may indicate a desire for interaction or an ongoing relationship with humans.

Knapp also delves into the topic of time travel, discussing its potential connection to UFO technology. He mentions reading Marc Davenport’s book, “Visitors from Time,” which posits that UFOs exhibit time travel technology. This theory aligns with statements from Bob Lazar about his work on reverse engineering extraterrestrial technology, which allegedly included elements of time travel.

The discussion touches on the possibility of Lazar working on a time travel device, a rumor Lazar himself denied in an interview with Knapp. Knapp remains skeptical but open to the idea, based on Lazar’s background and experiences.

A caller inquires about ancient civilizations and their potential connections to modern-day UFO sightings. The caller speculates about a long-lost colony on Earth and its descendants. Knapp acknowledges that he has heard similar theories but cannot confirm their veracity. He mentions Bud Hopkins’ view that apocalyptic visions relayed by aliens to abductees might be more metaphorical, urging humans to improve their stewardship of the planet.

Knapp reflects on the growing sense of urgency he perceives in his conversations with researchers and the general public. Many feel that something significant is happening, possibly indicated by phenomena like crop circles and increasing UFO sightings. Knapp remains cautious, striving to maintain objectivity and separate truth from fiction in these accounts.

Knapp touches on the possibility that the increasing prevalence of UFO and alien-related content in media and entertainment could be a form of societal conditioning, preparing the public for eventual disclosure or acceptance of extraterrestrial life. He notes a significant shift in public attitudes toward space travel and alien life over the past decades.

One caller brings up a segment from the show “In Search Of” about crop circles, mentioning a claim that one was caught being formed on camera. Knapp hasn’t seen this particular footage but acknowledges that there have been instances of aerial phenomena associated with crop circles.

Another caller suggests a connection between UFOs, the New World Government, and religious beliefs, proposing that Christ’s conception could have involved alien intervention. Knapp acknowledges this theory but emphasizes the diverse interpretations and reactions such topics evoke, particularly among religious communities.

Knapp shares his experiences discussing UFOs with religious leaders in the Bible Belt. He found their reactions surprisingly open, with one leader stating that if extraterrestrials exist, they are also part of God’s creation. He also mentions the Mormon community’s views, which include teachings that humans originated from other planets.

Addressing the potential public reaction to a visible extraterrestrial presence, Knapp agrees that fear and hostility could be likely responses, given human nature and historical reactions to unidentified objects.

A caller criticizes Billy Meier, a controversial figure in UFO circles, accusing him of fabricating his experiences. Knapp has included a segment on Meier in his documentary “UFOs: The Best Evidence” and expresses mixed views. He finds some of Meier’s later photos seemingly phony, but earlier photos supported by independent witnesses intriguing. Knapp suggests that Meier’s case, like many in UFO research, might have started with genuine experiences but later attracted interference or manipulation from external parties, such as intelligence agencies.

Knapp discusses the case of Billy Meier, a controversial figure in the UFO community known for his alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings and photographs of UFOs. Knapp suggests that while Meier may have had genuine experiences initially, his case could have been compromised by outside influences or attention seekers infiltrating his group. He acknowledges the difficulty in navigating the UFO field, given the controversies and disagreements even among ufologists.

One caller brings up the subject of mental time travel, mentioning a book on Nostradamus’s predictions that ties into future events. While Knapp finds the topic fascinating, he admits it is outside his area of expertise and research focus.

Another caller shares a personal sighting of unidentified objects near the Salton Sea, describing slow-moving, silent objects with visible windows, similar to what others have reported. Knapp notes that many UFO sightings and abduction experiences likely go unreported, estimating that nine out of ten cases are not formally documented. He points out the lack of official channels for reporting such incidents since most law enforcement and government agencies do not actively collect UFO reports.

One caller inquires about Project Blue Book and its relation to government UFO studies. Knapp explains that Project Blue Book was the third publicly known U.S. military study into UFOs but was largely a public relations exercise to dismiss UFO sightings. He mentions its predecessors, Project Sign and Project Grudge, noting that Project Sign concluded UFOs were likely extraterrestrial, a finding rejected by the Air Force. Knapp also highlights that more serious UFO cases involving national security were handled outside of Project Blue Book, and such investigations likely continue in secrecy.

Another caller brings up the Mothman Prophecies, a book by John Keel detailing strange phenomena in a town in West Virginia, including UFO sightings and humanoid figures with wings. Knapp admits he hasn’t read the book but acknowledges its fame in UFO circles.

A caller from Riverside, California, thanks Knapp for his informative show and asks about the human spirit and individuality in relation to alien abductions. Knapp discusses the concept of a collective or hive mentality among aliens, as described by witnesses, and speculates on the roles of different types of beings encountered in abduction scenarios. He suggests that the commonly reported “Grays” might be androids or drones directed by a higher intelligence, possibly conducting tasks such as sample collection.

Knapp also touches on the individuality aspect, noting that abductees often report interactions with hybrid beings and express surprise at the aliens’ interest in human individuality, suggesting it’s something they lack or don’t understand.

Knapp elaborates on Project Blue Book, describing it as a public relations effort rather than a serious study, intended to dismiss UFO sightings. He mentions that real UFO cases involving national security were handled separately from Blue Book and that the project’s closure in 1969 didn’t signify the end of official interest in UFOs.

A caller inquires about the Mothman Prophecies, and Knapp provides a brief overview of the book, which details a series of strange events in a small town, including UFO sightings and encounters with humanoid creatures. He acknowledges the book’s notoriety but hasn’t read it himself.

Another caller questions the fate of the Mars Observer spacecraft and the possibility of a cover-up regarding its malfunction. Knapp shares that he tried to contact Richard Hoagland, a researcher with extensive NASA connections, for insights. Hoagland believes the spacecraft might reactivate in the future, while others speculate about sabotage or internal sabotage within NASA to prevent certain images, particularly of the Sedona region, from being made public.

Knapp also discusses the broader context of government funding for space exploration and research, expressing frustration over the cancellation of projects like the Super Collider and the scaling back of the space station. He emphasizes the significance of such programs in answering fundamental questions about human existence and the potential for extraterrestrial life.

Knapp responds to a caller’s query about a book called “Matrix Two.” He comments that, like many works in the UFO field, it contains a mix of supportable facts and speculative content, and it’s important for readers to discern between the two. He refrains from labeling the book as disinformation but notes the challenges in verifying the accuracy of such publications.

Another caller inquires about various extraterrestrial groups like the Syrian males and females and the Orion group. Knapp expresses skepticism about these claims, highlighting the difficulty in proving their accuracy. He notes that many in the UFO field are motivated by profit or attention, making it challenging to separate fact from fiction.

A caller brings up a philosophical perspective, quoting Wilhelm Reich and discussing the vastness of the universe. The caller suggests that, given the sheer number of stars and galaxies, the existence of extraterrestrial life is statistically likely. Knapp agrees with this point, acknowledging that the vastness of the universe makes the existence of other life forms plausible.

The conversation also touches on the idea of the universe’s finiteness, with a caller asking if there is an end to the universe. Knapp humorously admits that such cosmic questions are beyond his expertise, echoing a common sentiment in UFO circles that the immense scale of the universe suggests the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.

One caller inquires about the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) transmitter system near Highway 93, which is designed to communicate with submarines. The caller wonders about UFO sightings in the vicinity of this facility, particularly regarding the appearance of lights. Knapp acknowledges having seen similar light phenomena, including a strobe effect, around Area 51. He shares his curiosity about the presence of such a facility in the desert and its possible connection to UFO activity.

Another caller reflects on the role of religion in understanding UFO and extraterrestrial phenomena. The caller cautions against a world without religion and suggests that religious beliefs should not be inconsistent with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Knapp agrees, noting that many alien encounters and abductions reported by witnesses often include messages that are not fundamentally at odds with religious beliefs.