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FBI set to reveal anthrax probe FBI set to reveal anthrax probe
(about 1 hour later)
A US judge has unsealed FBI documents on its investigation into the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001 and the role of a scientist who has killed himself.A US judge has unsealed FBI documents on its investigation into the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001 and the role of a scientist who has killed himself.
The papers will be made public soon with politicians and relatives of the victims hoping they will shed light on the actions of Dr Bruce Ivins.The papers will be made public soon with politicians and relatives of the victims hoping they will shed light on the actions of Dr Bruce Ivins.
Dr Ivins killed himself last week after being told he would face charges over the murder of the five victims.Dr Ivins killed himself last week after being told he would face charges over the murder of the five victims.
Anthrax was posted in letters shortly after the 11 September 2001 attacks.Anthrax was posted in letters shortly after the 11 September 2001 attacks.
The letters to media offices and politicians further unsettled a nation already traumatised by 9/11.The letters to media offices and politicians further unsettled a nation already traumatised by 9/11.
The sole deadly biological attack on US soil also left 17 people ill.The sole deadly biological attack on US soil also left 17 people ill.
Key questionsKey questions
US District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington ordered the release of hundreds of pages of FBI papers.US District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington ordered the release of hundreds of pages of FBI papers.
ANTHRAX PANIC, 2001 First anthrax-laced letter is mailed on 18 Sept, 2001Florida sees first of five deaths, three weeks laterThe dead are two postal workers in Washington, a New York hospital worker, a Florida photo editor and an elderly woman in ConnecticutPanicked Americans try to stock up on antibiotic CiproPostal depots shut for de-contamination; mail is irradiatedSenate offices shut for weeksHoaxes become an almost daily occurrencePlans to deal with a biological weapons attack updatedANTHRAX PANIC, 2001 First anthrax-laced letter is mailed on 18 Sept, 2001Florida sees first of five deaths, three weeks laterThe dead are two postal workers in Washington, a New York hospital worker, a Florida photo editor and an elderly woman in ConnecticutPanicked Americans try to stock up on antibiotic CiproPostal depots shut for de-contamination; mail is irradiatedSenate offices shut for weeksHoaxes become an almost daily occurrencePlans to deal with a biological weapons attack updated
FBI director Robert Mueller is scheduled to brief the victims and their families about the findings behind closed doors. FBI director Robert Mueller briefed the victims and their families about the findings behind closed doors on Wednesday.
A number of sources close to the investigation have said the FBI is now likely to close the case.A number of sources close to the investigation have said the FBI is now likely to close the case.
Also on Wednesday a memorial service was being held for Dr Ivins at his work place - the army biological weapons laboratory in Fort Detrick, Maryland.Also on Wednesday a memorial service was being held for Dr Ivins at his work place - the army biological weapons laboratory in Fort Detrick, Maryland.
Dr Ivins oversaw anthrax, and vaccines for it, and took part in the investigation into the attacks.Dr Ivins oversaw anthrax, and vaccines for it, and took part in the investigation into the attacks.
The key questions for which answers will be sought in the papers include:
  • When and why did Dr Ivins become a suspect?
  • Was DNA matched from the anthrax letters to a batch of anthrax controlled by Dr Ivins? If so how?
  • Was Dr Ivins trying to test out a new vaccine by releasing the anthrax? Would he have benefited financially from vaccine production?
  • Why would Dr Ivins have travelled so far to post the anthrax letters?
The key questions for which answers will be sought in the papers include:
  • When and why did Dr Ivins become a suspect?
  • Was DNA matched from the anthrax letters to a batch of anthrax controlled by Dr Ivins? If so how?
  • Was Dr Ivins trying to test out a new vaccine by releasing the anthrax? Would he have benefited financially from vaccine production?
  • Why would Dr Ivins have travelled so far to post the anthrax letters?
Dr Ivins, 62, died in hospital on Tuesday last week apparently after an overdose.Dr Ivins, 62, died in hospital on Tuesday last week apparently after an overdose.
A lawyer for Dr Ivins said after his death that he had suffered "relentless accusation and innuendo", and that his innocence would have been proven in court.A lawyer for Dr Ivins said after his death that he had suffered "relentless accusation and innuendo", and that his innocence would have been proven in court.
But a social worker said in filed court documents that Dr Ivins had "a history dating to his graduate days of homicidal threats, plans and actions towards therapists".But a social worker said in filed court documents that Dr Ivins had "a history dating to his graduate days of homicidal threats, plans and actions towards therapists".