2001 anthrax attacks

Anthrax letter sent to Senator Leahy

2001 Anthrax Attacks

The 2001 Anthrax Attacks refer to a series of bioterrorism incidents in the United States involving the mailing of letters containing anthrax spores to several news media offices and two Democratic U.S. Senators, killing five people and infecting 17 others. The attacks began shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, causing widespread panic and leading to one of the most extensive FBI investigations in history, known as Amerithrax.

Background

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. Humans can become infected with anthrax if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. The anthrax used in the 2001 attacks was a powdered form, which is particularly dangerous because it can be easily inhaled, leading to the most severe form of the disease, inhalational anthrax.

The Attacks

In September and October 2001, several letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to news media offices including NBC News, CBS News, ABC News, and the New York Post, as well as to the offices of Senators Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy. The letters contained a powdery substance and threatening notes. The first case of anthrax infection was reported on October 4, 2001, in Florida. As more letters were discovered and more infections occurred, a nationwide scare ensued, affecting postal workers, government employees, and the general public.

Investigation and Aftermath

The investigation into the anthrax attacks, dubbed Amerithrax, involved multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and the United States Postal Service. Despite extensive efforts, the case remained unsolved for years. In 2008, the FBI announced that Bruce Edwards Ivins, a scientist at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), was the sole suspect. Ivins committed suicide before he could be charged or tried. The FBI formally closed the investigation in 2010, but some doubts and controversies remain regarding Ivins' guilt and whether he acted alone.

Impact

The 2001 anthrax attacks had a profound impact on the United States, leading to significant changes in mail handling procedures, increased funding for biodefense research, and the establishment of new laws and policies related to bioterrorism and public health preparedness. The attacks also heightened fears of further bioterrorism following the September 11 attacks, influencing national security policies and emergency response strategies.

See Also

• Bioterrorism
• Bacillus anthracis
• Public health in the United States
• National security of the United States