Phoenix: Gov. Symington's alien costume press conference
Arizona Governor Fife Symington held a press conference on June 19, 1997, jokingly presenting his chief of staff in an alien costume as responsible for the Phoenix Lights. He revealed no explanations from military and public safety officials, later rejecting flares as the cause.
Background
Ereignis
On June 19, 1997, Arizona Governor Fife Symington organized a press event addressing the Phoenix Lights incident from March. He announced authorities had identified the culprit, then introduced his tall chief of staff Jay Heiler, disguised in an extraterrestrial outfit, as the supposed offender. Symington mocked media coverage as overly grave while Heiler unveiled his face.
Anfragen an Behörden
Symington disclosed contacting the Luke AFB commander near Glendale, the Arizona National Guard leader, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety head. None provided clarity on the lights' nature.
Spätere Aussagen
In 2007, Symington dismissed Air Force claims of high-altitude flares, asserting as a pilot and ex-officer that the object defied known aircraft and lights maintained formation unlike descending flares. On a December 10, 2008, UFO Hunters episode, he described military responses as evasive 'no comment' after inquiries. This event underscores official dismissal amid unresolved sightings, highlighting tension between humor and genuine mystery.[Tucson Citizen, March 24, 2007; Kean, p. 249]
Connections
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