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Anthrax: “Modern” Spores Used in Attacks, Officials Say Senior U.S. officials have said the anthrax used in last fall’s attacks was fresh and made within the last two years, the New York Times reported yesterday (see GSN, June 13). The FBI was able to determine the age of the spores through the use of a type of radiocarbon dating, officials said. Federal investigators believe the recent production date of the anthrax used in the attacks means that the person responsible prepared the spores alone and could produce more for further attacks, according to the Times. “It’s modern,” an official said. “It was grown, and therefore it can be grown again and again.” The dating has added evidence to a theory in the “Amerithrax” investigation that the person responsible for the attacks has a direct connection to a microbiology laboratory and might have used relatively new equipment to prepare the spores, the Times reported. “We’re still looking for someone who fits the criteria of training, knowledge, education, experience and skill,” an official said. Investigators have said they think the person responsible, if caught, would fit into the profile created by the FBI (see GSN, June 4). Bureau scientists have said the person responsible for the attacks is a solitary male with scientific knowledge who has a grudge against society, according to the Times. According to the profile, the person responsible also probably feels comfortable in the Trenton, N.J. area, where the letters sent with the spores were postmarked, the Times reported. Investigators still do not know whether the person is from the United States or abroad. Officials have said, however, that there is still no distinct suspect in the investigation. Investigators have created a list of about 50 potential suspects that changes periodically as new suspects are either added or removed, according to the Times. Investigators have also examined the biopesticide industry, which has created a list of about 80 people that are still under investigation, the Times reported. An investigation into the biopharmaceutical industry has created a list of about 200 possible subjects, while research facilities with anthrax stocks account for another list of about 50 people under question. “It’s astounding that they haven’t been able to narrow the field,” said Henry Kelly, president of the Federation of American Scientists. “There aren’t that many people that could have been involved” (Johnston/Broad, New York Times, June 23). Members of Congress Weigh In Some members of Congress have become frustrated at the lack of progress in the investigation (see GSN, June 5). “The anthrax killer is out there,” Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said yesterday. “We need to nab this person.” Officials need to spend more effort on finding the person responsible for the anthrax attacks and on capturing al-Qaeda operatives rather than on reorganizing themselves, Boxer said (see GSN, June 21). “These are things we must do,” she said. “I have to say we just need a renewed effort to keep our eye on both of these things.” Other members of Congress have expressed more support for the investigation, saying that because it involves factors such as complex science, fast results should not be expected. “Eventually we will know these things,” said House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas). “But we must be diligent, thorough, persistent and patient” (Associated Press/New York Times, June 23). For further information, see: CDC Frequently Asked Questions on Anthrax Journal of the American Medical Association Background GSN Anthrax Attack Chronology (Dec. 12, 2001)
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