A letter addressed to Senator Patrick Leahy found in the sequestered Congressional
mail on November 16, 2001, has been opened by experts at the Army's Ft. Detrick,
Maryland, biomedical research laboratory. The envelope contained a quantity
of a substance believed to be anthrax, based on testing conducted before
the envelope was opened, and appears to be consistent with that found in
the letter sent to Senator Daschle. While the two letters appear to be virtually
identical, science will continue to drive this analysis and investigation.
The envelope and letter will be decontaminated and a number of sophisticated
scientific and forensic examinations have been initiated. Investigators are
hopeful that the results of those tests -- expected in the coming days and
weeks -- will yield clues which will bring us closer to identifying who is
responsible for the anthrax attacks.
Since the letter was found on November 16, experts from the scientific,
public health and law enforcement communities have worked closely and with
caution to develop protocols and procedures to preserve evidence. The goal
is to give investigators as much as possible to work with.
Investigators are emphasizing the importance of keeping the American public
focused on the investigation. The information known so far, together with
what is hoped to be learned from the Leahy letter, will likely give investigators
new leads and the American public additional information to consider in the
event that someone out there may know something. The FBI reminded the public
that the reward is up to $1.25 million and anyone who thinks they may know
something should contact their local FBI office or police department.
Photographs of the Leahy letter's opening.
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