Zeroing in on anthrax suspect

last updated 8 January 2015

Frederick, Md.

Federal agents last week once again searched the Maryland home of a former Army scientist, Steven J. Hatfill, and identified him as a prime “person of interest” in the investigation of last year’s anthrax attacks. The inspection marked the first time the FBI had used a criminal search warrant in the case. Hatfill, who once worked in anthrax programs for the government, has been the source of speculation among U.S. bioweapons experts for months; this was the second time his home had been searched. FBI Director Robert Mueller said the agency was “making progress,” but no arrest was imminent. Five people were killed and 13 others infected after envelopes contaminated with anthrax were sent through the mail to several addresses. FBI profilers believe the culprit was one of 30 “persons of interest”—all American bioweapons experts with the skills to produce and deliver weapons-grade anthrax.