WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior Member of the Homeland Security Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee issued the following statement regarding the unconscionable attack on Los Alamos whistleblower Tommy Hook:

“Sunday’s horrendous attack on Los Alamos whistleblower Tommy Hook illustrates the price these modern day Paul Reveres sometimes pay for their service to society,” said Rep. Markey. “All too often, those who report serious security, management or safety violations end up risking not only their jobs and livelihoods, but their physical well-being as well. I call upon the FBI, the University of California (which runs Los Alamos) and the Department of Energy to do whatever it takes to ensure that those responsible for carrying out and directing this attack be found and held accountable.”

According to press reports, Mr. Hook, who has a pending whistleblower lawsuit pending against the University of California and who was scheduled to testify before Congress, was lured to a bar by someone who claimed he had information about Los Alamos, and then badly beaten by a group of assailants who told him “if you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your mouth shut.”

Rep. Markey soon plans to introduce legislation to expand the rights of all whistleblowers to ensure that they are able to obtain justice when retaliated against for reporting threats to national or homeland security, public health or safety, or waste, fraud and mismanagement involving public funds.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2005
 CONTACT: Tara McGuinness
 Michal Freedhoff
202.225.2836