Police Walk Back Idea that Obama-Era Whistleblower Committed Suicide

Police have walked back initial reports that a DHS Whistleblower who spoke out against his own agency under the administration of President Barack Obama killed himself. Philip Haney, who was found dead of a gunshot wound recently by a California highway, was sometimes seen speaking on Fox News in recent years.

The Amador County Sheriff’s Office initially reported on a “self-inflicted gunshot wound”, but is now calling that misinformation. They have since requested assistance from the FBI in investigating the death of Haney.

An autopsy has been requested and documents, a laptop, and a phone are being examined. Haney was famous for his 2016 criticisms of how the DHS handled “radical jihadists and Islamic extremists”. A source told the Daily Mail that Haney had been in touch with the DHS about a possible return before his untimely death occurred. He was 66 years old. Daily Mail also reported:

‘Unfortunately, there was misinformation immediately being put out that we have determined Mr Haney’s death to be a suicide. This is not the case,’ the sheriff’s office said this week. 

‘We are currently in the beginning phase of our investigation and any final determination as to the cause and manner of Mr Haney’s death would be extremely premature and inappropriate. 

‘No determination will be made until all evidence is examined and analyzed.’

The sheriff’s office has scheduled a forensic autopsy to be carried out on Haney’s body.

They have also enlisted the help of the FBI to analyze documents, phone records and a laptop that were recovered from the scene and Haney’s RV. 

‘We are currently in possession of his vehicle, the firearm located at the scene and his RV and we will be requesting evidence processing assistance from the FBI on those items as well,’ the sheriff’s office said.  

Authorities said they are also checking for surveillance video from the area.