On November 15, 1996, then CIA Director John Deutch was making a public relations appearance at an inner city Los Angeles high school. There in a town hall style forum, he addressed local residents, community leaders, law enforcement professionals, and C-SPAN about the war on drugs in America, and especially their city of Los Angeles. But as the forum’s microphone made its way around for questions, a serious and professional looking gentleman rose and uttered the words that shocked the world. The man was Michael C Ruppert, former LAPD narcotics officer, and forever a target of government retribution.

Confronting the CIA on national TV

Michael C Ruppert wasn’t some crackpot with conspiracy theories. He was one of the most professional and serious people there was when it came to law enforcement and drug trafficking. What was unique was that he was on the inside, where he had first-hand experience with CIA agents trafficking large quantities of illegal drugs on a regular basis. And just after leaving the police force, he acted on what must have seemed like fate or destiny to him – the Director of the CIA making a public appearance in his own home town. The rest is history. See it yourself in the actual video below.

Former LAPD narcotics detective Michael C Ruppert confronting CIA Director John Deutch (November 15, 1996).

Catching the audience and media by surprise, Michael Ruppert told Director John Deutch, “I will tell you Director Deutch, as a former Los Angeles Police narcotics Detective, that the Agency has dealt drugs throughout this country for a long time.” His remark was met by scattered cheers from the local residents in attendance. US Rep. Juanita McDonald (D-CA) then took the main microphone and literally silenced the auditorium, refusing to let anyone speak until everyone took their seat again. She appeared determined to let him speak.

“Director Deutch, I will refer you to three specific Agency operations known as Amadeus, Pegasus and Watchtower,” Ruppert nervously but determinedly told America’s CIA Director with the audience and C-SPAN viewers looking on, “I have Watchtower documents, heavily redacted by the Agency. I was personally exposed to CIA operations and recruited by CIA personnel who attempted to recruit me in the late seventies to become involved in protecting Agency drug operations in this country.”

The question that rocked America

Showing just how long the CIA’s drug trafficking operation within the US has been going on, Michael Ruppert goes on to lecture CIA Director Deutch, “I have been trying to get this out for eighteen years, and I have the evidence. My question for you is very specific sir. If, in the course of the IG’s investigation, you come across evidence of severely criminal activity, and it’s classified, will you use that classification to hide the criminal activity, or will you tell the American people the truth?”

After applause from much of the gathered crowed, CIA Director Deutch went on to respond that anyone who has evidence of drug trafficking by CIA agents has three options – turn the information over to their local police, the Inspector General, or their member of Congress. The audience, seemingly from the drug-devastated neighborhoods of LA, didn’t appreciate or believe the Director’s answer. The Director finished by referring to the Inspector General’s investigation and pledging, “If it turns up wrong-doing, we will bring the people to justice and make them accountable.”

The very next moment of the exchange is as ominous as it is real. Michael Ruppert spent the following years being shadowed by government agents, with a seemingly endless streak of bad luck following, a string that eventually led to his suicide this weekend. The second official on stage at the town hall meeting to respond to Michael Ruppert’s question was US Rep. Julian Dixon (D-CA).

Speaking from the stage directly to Ruppert in the audience, Rep Dixon says, “Sir, I want to thank you for coming. You were at the last meeting. The staff probably had the spelling of your name wrong. But we would like to talk to you. We have been looking for a couple of days for you.” The audience’s audible response was the same response your author had, I bet they’ve been looking for him.

The end of a hero’s journey

That pretty much sums up Michael C Ruppert’s introduction to the American people. And he’s been a hero to many ever since. He’s gone on to investigate other accusations of large government conspiracies such as the September 11 attacks with his book, ‘Crossing The Rubicon: The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil’ (click on the ad to the right to order from Amazon). He also published the newsletter, ‘From the Wilderness’ from 1998 to 2006. It was at that time that his endless string of bad luck cost him his publication, his life savings and his energy to go on.

It was no secret that Ruppert suffered from depression and probably a case of PTSD after doing battle with a wicked and invisible shadow government for nearly 20 years. He insisted to his last days that the government had been intimidating and harassing him since he came forward that day. But that didn’t stop him from fighting on.

On April 13, 2014, always trying to warn the American people of the slowly creeping collapse that’s quickly descending upon us, Michael Ruppert finished his radio show, left two notes for dear friends, and took his own life. For anyone who thinks Michael may have been murdered by that shadow government, one of those two dear friends has penned a public response assuring all his loyal and heartbroken fans that it truly was an unfortunate suicide. Read the public response from Jenna Orkin at CollapseNet.com.

Friends say goodbye

Michael Ruppert’s good friend Jenna Orkin wasn’t the only one that released a public response after hearing news of his death. Whiteout Press’ favorite journalist, Abby Martin from RT News, closed her show Breaking the Set yesterday with one of the most touching and heartfelt tributes this author has ever seen.

Abby Martin pays tribute to her friend Michael C Ruppert on her show Breaking the Set (April 15, 2014).

“There’s only so much pain one can absorb, and there’s only so much burden of the world that one can hold on their shoulders,” Martin said of her good friend and past show guest. Then, unable to keep her sadness and tears inside, the host of Breaking the Set openly wept as she did her best to conclude her farewell to Michael Ruppert.

Abby Martin finished, “Michael, you were my friend and my spiritual brother. I took advantage of knowing that you were there and that you would be there when I needed a friend and confidant later on. But even though you won’t physically be there, I know you still will be in the rays of the sun and wind whipping through the air. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. So rest in peace Michael C Ruppert. Your insight and passion will be truly, truly missed. We’ll do our best to carry on the struggle without you. But I truly regret not telling you just how much you were loved and needed by us.”

Watch the full show on YouTube at Breaking the Set.