George Knapp
Verified- Chief Investigative Reporter, KLAS-TV (Las Vegas, NV)
- Co-Host, WEAPONIZED with Jeremy Corbell & George Knapp
Nevada
Chief Investigative Reporter for KLAS TV, weekend host Coast to Coast AM, Weaponized podcast, author
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by George Knapp
Red Rock Canyon was home to wild mustangs until the government rode in
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Longtime Las Vegas residents will tell you about a time when wild horses ran free at Red Rock Canyon. In the early 1990s, wild mustangs were common to see in the popular hiking spot west of Las Vegas. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said at the time the horses had to be removed to save the local grasses. They promised the horses would be returned, but more than 30 years later, the mustangs are long gone.
Red Rock Canyon was home to wild mustangs until the government rode in
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Longtime Las Vegas residents will tell you about a time when wild horses ran free at Red Rock Canyon. In the early 1990s, wild mustangs were common to see in the popular hiking spot west of Las Vegas. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said at the time the horses had to be removed to save the local grasses. They promised the horses would be returned, but more than 30 years later, the mustangs are long gone.
Stampede to Oblivion: The mismanaging of America’s wild horses
Editor’s note: This report was first published in 2021 and has been lightly edited. For the latest discussion from September 2026, download the free 8 News+ streaming app and look for Mystery Wire. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Millions of dollars are spent each year by the BLM to gather thousands of wild mustangs off public lands in western states. Many who have seen the roundups in person are horrified.
Stampede to Oblivion: The mismanaging of America’s wild horses
George KnappJerry Reynoldson great to talk to you. You know, I think that wild horse advocates like yourself who've been at this a long time had reason for optimism, a new administration, a new BLM director, you thought maybe the wild horses, the Mustangs would get a fair shake?
Astronomer alleges targeted attacks over UFO research
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - Astronomer Beatriz Villarroel always assumed there would be some resistance to her ideas when she began researching the missing stars phenomenon . She just didn't know the lengths people would go.
Astronomer alleges targeted attacks over UFO research
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Astronomer Beatriz Villarroel always assumed there would be some resistance to her ideas when she began researching the missing stars phenomenon. She just didn’t know the lengths people would go.
Astronomer alleges targeted attacks over UFO research
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - Astronomer Beatriz Villarroel always assumed there would be some resistance to her ideas when she began researching the missing stars phenomenon. She just didn't know the lengths people would go.
1 year since Capitol Hill public testimony on UFO secrecy
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — One year ago this week, members of Congress who’ve been investigating UFO secrecy heard sworn testimony from a panel of witnesses about coverups, retribution, and exotic technology of unknown origin. The Sept. 9 hearing on Capitol Hill was the last in a series of public testimonies.
Skeptic turned believer studying Skinwalker Ranch
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Dr. Travis Taylor always began researching every subject as a skeptic; his background with NASA, the Department of Defense, and other high-ranking scientific organizations demanded it. So when Taylor first heard about Skinwalker Ranch, he naturally didn’t believe what was going on. He thought the answer would be simple and logical, such as equipment interference, human deception, or advanced technology.
Former Pentagon UAP Task Force leader Jay Stratton releasing book in October
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A new book coming soon from one of the top researchers of mysterious phenomena in the world is expected to bring explosive new details to light as Jay Stratton’s “Out of the Shadows: Revealing the Truth About Non-Human Intelligent Life” will release in mid-October. George Knapp was able to get an interview with Stratton at a UAP conference in Alabama, the video of which is embedded in this article.
Former Pentagon UAP Task Force leader Jay Stratton releasing book in October
The defense secretary’s personal information has been exposed for all to see. The man responsible for defending America couldn’t keep his own personal …
Former Pentagon UAP Task Force leader Jay Stratton releasing book in October
Former Pentagon UAP Task Force leader Jay Stratton releasing book in October Thu, September 3, 2026 at 5:04 PM EDT Former Pentagon UAP Task Force leader Jay Stratton releasing book in October LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A new book coming soon from one of the top researchers of mysterious phenomena in the world is expected to bring explosive new details to light as Jay Stratton's "Out of the Shadows: Revealing the Truth About Non-Human Intelligent Life" will release in mid-October.
Las Vegas tycoon Robert Bigelow opens up to George Knapp
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Las Vegas billionaire Robert Bigelow has spent more than four decades and countless sums of money digging into UFOs and possible non-human intelligence interacting with humanity. Communicating with ‘them’ had driven much of his professional life. After years of purposefully working behind the scenes with projects like NIDS, Bigelow chose his good friend George Knapp as the first guest to begin a ground-breaking podcast on what he has discovered.
Mystery Wire Rewind: Inside the massive, secret 16,000-square-foot Las Vegas nuclear bunker
This story originally aired in August 2013. The article has been updated for grammar as well as the most current numbers as of publication. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – From the vantage point of a nuclear-armed bomber, it doesn’t look all that impressive. And from the street level, the house at 3970 Spencer doesn’t stand out from its neighbors.
Mystery Wire Rewind: Inside the massive, secret 16,000-square-foot Las Vegas nuclear bunker
George Knapp Mon, August 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM EDT 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Mystery Wire Rewind: Inside the massive, secret 16,000-square-foot Las Vegas nuclear bunker This story originally aired in August 2013. The article has been updated for grammar as well as the most current numbers as of publication. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - From the vantage point of a nuclear-armed bomber, it doesn't look all that impressive.
Searching for the true grave of Butch Cassidy
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid are among the best-known bandits in American history, but is the story we have come to know as the truth really what happened? Rather than their infamous death in a Bolivian shootout in 1909, some historians think at least one of the gunmen ended up in southern Nevada.
The secret history of the desert’s mysterious arrows
This story originally aired on Nov. 19, 2013. The article has been updated for grammar. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Even from the vantage point of a helicopter, it’s not easy to pick out the odd shape that sits on the desert floor on the north side of Mormon Mesa, but there it is — a concrete arrow seemingly created for the benefit of sky people, not unlike the famed Nazca Lines of Peru, or maybe exotic crop circles.
UFO research benefactor Robert Bigelow says he encouraged President Trump toward alien disclosure
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — If you had an hour or so to spend with the president, what would you say to him? Las Vegas aerospace tycoon Robert Bigelow had a long list of subjects in mind, but the one at the top was UFO disclosure. Bigelow, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, recently met in the Oval Office and advised the Commander in Chief what he might want to say to the nation.
UFO research benefactor Robert Bigelow says he encouraged President Trump toward alien disclosure
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — If you had an hour or so to spend with the president, what would you say to him? Las Vegas aerospace tycoon Robert Bigelow had a long list of subjects in mind, but the one at the top was UFO disclosure. Bigelow, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, recently met in the Oval Office and advised the Commander in Chief what he might want to say to the nation. “I was emphasizing that the disclosure process, starting with confirmation, is a big deal.
UFO research benefactor Robert Bigelow says he encouraged President Trump toward alien disclosure
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — If you had an hour or so to spend with the president, what would you say to him? Las Vegas aerospace tycoon Robert Bigelow had a long list of subjects in mind, but the one at the top was UFO disclosure. Bigelow, a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, recently met in the Oval Office and advised the Commander in Chief what he might want to say to the nation. "I was emphasizing that the disclosure process, starting with confirmation, is a big deal.
Historian uncovers secret 1953 Kingman UFO crash story Original
This article was originally published in February 2020. The story has been updated for grammar as well as including the full interview. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – In the spring of 1953, the Atomic Energy Commission unleashed a series of massive explosions at the Nevada Test Site, codenamed “Upshot Knothole.” In the same time period, across the state line in Arizona, witnesses reported seeing a fleet of eight flying saucer-type craft engaged in what looked like a dogfight.
Do UFOs and aliens conflict with faith?
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Religion and UFOs would seem to be topics that don’t mix, but investigative journalist George Knapp found that’s not necessarily the case in “UFOs: The Best Evidence” Part 7, originally aired on Nov. 14, 1989, on KLAS TV in Las Vegas. Some religious scholars maintain that the existence of aliens might undermine many faiths because it would dilute the special nature of humanity. But others aren’t so sure.
Groundbreaking astronomer connects missing stars to 1952 UFOs
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Astronomer and associate professor at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics Beatriz Villarroel was always fascinated with mysterious phenomena in the night sky, with a series of events taking place 74 years ago this month. Her thesis question was simple: Can a star vanish? >>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app Her research was heavily influenced by a July 1952 news conference from the Air Force addressing UFOs over Washington, D.C., and even the White House.
Groundbreaking astronomer connects missing stars to 1952 UFOs
Groundbreaking astronomer connects missing stars to 1952 UFOs Thu, July 23, 2026 at 9:33 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Groundbreaking astronomer connects missing stars to 1952 UFOs LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Astronomer and associate professor at the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics Beatriz Villarroel was always fascinated with mysterious phenomena in the night sky, with a series of events taking place 74 years ago this month.
Decades of documents provide evidence of UFO coverups
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – New batches of videos and government documents on UFOs continue to be made made public, but there was already a direct trail of documents proving a coverup. In fact, KLAS’s George Knapp’s deep dive back in 1989 called “UFOs: the Best Evidence” brought the strongest evidence to date to light. A segment of this series originally airing in November, 1989 is available at the top of this page.
New UFO documents confirm reports of secret 1949 ‘green fireballs’ meeting
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Buried among all the videos and photos from the Pentagon’s fourth batch of UFO files is a document confirming scientists held a secret 1949 conference to discuss the near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Attendees included prominent scientists, including some who worked on the Manhattan Project. This confirms reporting from George Knapp and KLAS over the decades of this occurrence as well as the government’s response.
Las Vegas mob secrets revealed in new book about the outfit that helped rule in the ’70s and ’80s
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Frank Calabrese Jr. experienced a life that most people have only witnessed in movies such as “Casino.” Frank Jr. was an enforcer in his father’s Chicago Chinatown mob crew that would go on to play a major role in Las Vegas history. His father, Frank Calabrese Sr., and uncle, Nick Calabrese, were enforcers for the Chicago Outfit and were called to take out the infamous Tony “the Ant” Spilotro.
Astrophysicist reveals 1945 New Mexico UFO crash details
This article was originally published Oct. 21, 2021. It has been updated for spelling as well as the addition of this 1990 On The Record interview: LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The atomic age officially began in August 1945 when the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico at a place called Trinity. But something else happened near that site just a few weeks later. “Now remember, this was 1945, August 1945. Two years before Roswell,” Dr. Jacques Vallée said in a new interview with Mystery Wire.
Former KLAS-TV news director’s challenges in reporting the Area 51 story
This story was originally published on November 14, 2019. It has been updated for spelling. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Former KLAS-TV news director Bob Stoldal had a lot to share about the Area 51 story, and his dedication to finding out what was going on at the secret base along with George Knapp. Gary Francis Powers and the U-2 spy plane, the F-117A stealth fighter, a JFK visit, and a Naval Intelligence visit to the KLAS studios were all interesting parts of the story.
Forgotten chapter in NASA history: The fight to save the space chimps
The video above shows the original interview George Knapp had with Senators Harry Reid and John Glenn that began the process of saving the space chimps. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – After more recent exposés on the experience of chimpanzees in the southwest, it’s worth looking back at the interview series from George Knapp that blew the case of the space chimps wide open – and saved many of their lives.
Las Vegas family claims to see abnormally tall aliens after strange crash in 2023
This story was originally published on June 8, 2023. It has been updated for spelling. A follow-up article on the same day by reporter David Charns is also linked here. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Just before midnight on April 30th, 2023, sky-watchers across several western states saw a bright fireball streak through the sky. A police officer working in part of the Las Vegas valley caught a glimpse of the colorful fireball on his body cam.
Crossing the line into Area 51 gets caught on camera in 2014
This story was originally published on July 9, 2014. It has been updated for spelling. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A tour bus carrying visitors to the edge of the top-secret Area 51 military base has done something that many people have only fantasized about doing. It crossed the line and entered the base. The driver and his four passengers learned a quick lesson about how serious Area 51 is about its boundary and its security. And the entire incident was captured on video.
Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ sparks UFO information debate
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – With the release of Steven Spielberg’s new movie, ‘Disclosure Day,’ on Friday, June 12, the push for the government to release secrets about UFOs is reaching a fever pitch. A bipartisan group of lawmakers even held a news conference on the issue Tuesday. Award-winning screenwriter Bryce Zabel joined George Knapp and Ron Futrell at an advance screening for the new movie, and all three came away with different impressions of the film.
How physics can explain mysteries of the afterlife, consciousness and aliens
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Many people shy away from tackling the deep questions everyone has. Questions like “Why are we here?” “Where are we going?” and “What is the meaning of life?” UNLV Professor Dr. Michael Pravica is not one of those people. In fact, he’s spent much of his academic life attempting to answer those very questions with his background as a physicist providing a rational underpinning for his beliefs.
When will the next UFO files be released?
(NewsNation) — With the newest tranche of UFO documents approximately four days old, many in the disclosure community are already looking to the next batch of files and when they might hit the web. Journalist and UFO expert Jeremy Corbell spoke to Elizabeth Vargas on NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Tuesday and said the truth, when it comes to the future release date of a new cluster of groundbreaking government disclosures, is out there.
Area 51’s allure draws tourists to the unexplainable
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Few mysteries draw more interest than Area 51. In fact, in April, a Polish man was caught filming Area 51. Though he ultimately avoided jail time, this incident further proves just how integral the site truly is to all interested in UFOs. A cottage industry of sorts exists around Area 51, with tourists regularly flocking to nearby Rachel, Nevada, to get close to the base and spend time with other UFO enthusiasts. Sometimes, it even turns into a viral sensation.
Las Vegas entrepreneur unveils new Bigfoot-themed bourbon
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Perhaps you’ve heard of Crystal Skull vodka or Alien tequila? Well, now it’s Bigfoot’s turn to get an alcohol makeover. Make way for a Bigfoot-themed bourbon, a new product launched by a Las Vegas entrepreneur with no previous experience in the booze biz.
Las Vegas entrepreneur unveils new Bigfoot-themed bourbon
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Perhaps you’ve heard of Crystal Skull vodka or Alien tequila? Well, now it’s Bigfoot’s turn to get an alcohol makeover. Make way for a Bigfoot-themed bourbon, a new product launched by a Las Vegas entrepreneur with no previous experience in the booze biz. “We take this seriously because the people who believe in Bigfoot take this very seriously,” Jeff Taylor, Co-founder of Big Shadow Bourbon, told 8 News Now’s George Knapp.
New Pentagon files shed light on decades of UFO sightings
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — On Friday, the Pentagon released 162 files containing information on unidentified flying objects, including 41 minutes of video footage, to its website. The disclosure follows a promise by former President Donald Trump regarding government-held UFO data. The collection includes videos, photos, and reports of sightings, with eyewitness testimony detailing incidents spanning decades from around the world.
DNA test uncovers kidnapping, mob, police corruption
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Henderson man named Paul Fronczak had no idea that his entire life would be turned upside down when he bought a home DNA test kit. The results of that test took away his name, his family, and everything he knew about his life to that point. It also opened up a multi-layered rabbit hole involving an infamous kidnapping, police corruption, the mob, and dark secrets buried for six decades.
New book looks at Harry Reid’s career, including UFO and mob dealings
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – From the humblest of origins, the late Harry Reid made an unlikely rise to the pinnacle of American political power. He became the most influential Nevadan in history. Reid was born into poverty inside a one-room shack in the tiny mining town of Searchlight, Nevada.
Major newspaper claims Air Force created alien tech stories at Area 51 to mislead public Original
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Did the Air Force create the stories about alien technology being stashed and tested at Area 51? A major newspaper said the whole thing was made up by the Air Force in order to mislead the American public and our adversaries. The release of a new documentary film has stirred up renewed interest in Area 51 lore. But was it all propaganda? This new version of what happened 37 years ago was published in The Wall Street Journal, a highly respected newspaper, but is it true?
Rep. Titus shares thoughts on Area 51, UFO disclosure
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A rare moment of bi-partisan agreement – with a few jabs thrown in – as Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) answered a viewer question during an April 29 segment on The Hill with Blake Burman on NewsNation about Area 51 and UFO disclosure. Below is the full transcript of the question and answer: Viewer Question: “The president’s saying the UFO files are going to be released soon. You’re in Vegas, Area 51, not that far away. That’s right. What do you think we learn, if anything?” Rep.
Fronczak kidnapping mystery: Man’s true identity revealed by DNA
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – One DNA test changed the trajectory of Paul Fronczak’s life forever. The results upended the lives of three families as he discovered decades later that he wasn’t the person he had grown up believing himself to be. Sixty-two years ago, in 1964, the long and confusing saga of Paul Fronczak’s history began when a baby was kidnapped from a Chicago hospital.
Bob Lazar’s story is the latest pushing disclosure in theaters – and not the last
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The hype has yet to recede following the release of a “S4: The Bob Lazar Story” on Amazon Prime. The film, which highlights the long story of Bob Lazar, is bringing attention not only to Lazar and his claims but also a new generation of filmmakers and documentarians inspired by his work. One of those men is Luigi Vendittelli, who joined Mystery Wire for an interview in a special two-part episode.
Bob Lazar’s UFO claims gain traction with ‘S4’ success
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – 8 News Now has reported on Bob Lazar many times over the past four decades, and now his name is breaking into the mainstream with the release of a new movie on Amazon Prime called ‘S4: The Bob Lazar Story.’ This week on Mystery Wire, hosts George Knapp and Ron Futrell sat down with Luigi Vendittelli, the director of the film, to talk about what he learned as he put the project together.
Reconstructing the world of Bob Lazar: ‘S4’ collaboration brings original story to life
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The basic story is one well known to our viewers since we’ve reported on Bob Lazar many times over the decades. One thing we know for sure — the mere mention of his name still ignites arguments, character attacks, and metaphorical heads exploding. Visually stunning, the documentary film titled “S4” brings the tale to a new level, thanks to virtual reality technology that didn’t exist back in the beginning. “DENNIS”: There are nine flying saucers, flying discs … .
Reconstructing the world of Bob Lazar: ‘S4’ collaboration brings original story to life
Reconstructing the world of Bob Lazar: ‘S4’ collaboration brings original story to life LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The basic story is one well known to our viewers since we’ve reported on Bob Lazar many times over the decades. One thing we know for sure — the mere mention of his name still ignites arguments, character attacks, and metaphorical heads exploding.
New book uncovers secrets of government funded UFO investigation program: exclusive interview
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – In the early days of 2006, a career intelligence analyst at the Defense Intelligence Agency named Dr. James Lacatski began a conversation with a colleague named Jay Stratton about UFOs and related phenomena. The conversation focused on whether repeated UFO intrusions at sensitive military assets might represent a national security threat.
Craft of unknown origin subject of secret study, former US intelligence official confirms
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A former U.S. intelligence official who directed the government’s largest UFO investigation confirmed that at least one craft of unknown origin is being studied in absolute secrecy. Dr. James Lacatski, a former analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency, said the existence of the craft is only one part of a much larger mystery involving paranormal phenomena.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with George
Contact George, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack