Mark Lenzi, a prominent victim of Havana Syndrome, has settled his lawsuit against the State Department for $650,000, alleging he faced a "campaign of discrimination and retaliation" for speaking out about the condition that has affected numerous U.S. personnel.
The settlement, which includes no apology from the government, resolves claims brought by Lenzi, who stated he experienced retaliation after whistleblowing about Havana Syndrome. Lenzi, who suffered symptoms while serving in China in 2018, alleged that he was subjected to negative workplace rumors that ostracized him and impacted his health. The State Department initially attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, but a judge rejected this, allowing negotiations to proceed.
Lenzi has publicly theorized that Russia may have used pulsed microwave devices to attack U.S. personnel overseas. Reports have since emerged that the Department of Defense has been examining a device believed to be a potential cause of the ailment. This device has been in federal possession for over a year, though an internal debate continues regarding its role in Havana Syndrome.
Symptoms associated with Havana Syndrome vary but can include fatigue, ear pain, memory lapses, migraines, cognitive issues, hearing loss, and dizziness. Lenzi has been an advocate for increased awareness and accountability, speaking with lawmakers and appearing on "60 Minutes." He has expressed frustration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stating that he had invited the senator multiple times to visit him and his doctors but received no action.
The State Department issued a statement saying its "priority remains the health and safety of all colleagues and family members who have been affected, both domestically and overseas," adding that it does not comment on internal personnel matters. Key members of Congress, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, have previously alleged that the intelligence community has engaged in a cover-up of Havana Syndrome.
Lenzi indicated that the settlement is just the beginning of his efforts, vowing to continue working with Congress to hold accountable what he described as "13 Deep State bureaucrats at the State Department responsible for retaliation and covering up evidence of these Russian pulsed microwave attacks."