Former US official’s death in California ruled suicide

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California authorities have ruled that suicide was the cause of death for a former Department of Homeland Security official who was a self-described agency whistleblower. Philip Haney’s death two years ago generated right-wing conspiracy theories and prompted a lengthy investigation. The Amador County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that the 66-year-old Haney left behind a suicide note with a signature in his handwriting. And the gun used was traced to him. However, contraband documents on Haney’s laptop and thumb drives spurred a new investigation. Haney was found dead in February 2020. He published a 2016 book alleging inaction against terrorism by President Barack Obama’s administration.