Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

FBI Tries to Dispel Anthrax Probe Doubts

But acknowledges 'spore on a grassy knoll' sentiment

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 7:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – The FBI revealed unprecedented details about its investigation of army scientist Bruce Ivins yesterday in a move to counter skepticism in the scientific community. The agency laid out how it brought together top scientists from the public and private sector to trace samples of the deadly anthrax of 2001 to Ivins, who killed himself before being indicted, the Baltimore Sun reports. Ivins' attorney again disputed the government account.

"I don't think we're ever going to put the suspicions to bed," said an FBI official. "There's always going to be a spore on a grassy knoll." Starting with more than 1,000 samples of the bacteria, the team compared the DNA of each strain with that of the toxin that killed five people. From there, scientists narrowed the field to eight samples, and then to a single flask in Ivins' lab. "Obviously, for us, the science is strong enough that we're disclosing it to you today," said the FBI official.

An enlarged copy of an envelope addressed to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., that contained anthrax, is shown during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington.
An enlarged copy of an envelope addressed to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., that contained anthrax, is shown during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo)
FBI officials wearing protective suits prepare to enter an anthrax suspect's house. Testing done by a team of experts later cleared the suspect and focused suspicion on Bruce Ivins.
FBI officials wearing protective suits prepare to enter an anthrax suspect's house. Testing done by a team of experts later cleared the suspect and focused suspicion on Bruce Ivins.   (AP Photo)
U.S. prosecutors were planning to indict and seek the death penalty for Ivins.
U.S. prosecutors were planning to indict and seek the death penalty for Ivins.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Report Blames Army for Ivins' Anthrax Attacks

FBI's Anthrax Case Not 'Conclusive:' Report

Packages With White Powder Sent to 8 Fed Buildings

FBI Closes Anthrax Case

FBI to Close 2001 Anthrax Case


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne