What did you think of Brian Ross’ claim that Spertzel said that Patrick and Hatfill were the two who could make it. Was Mr. Ross misremembering? Was Dr. Spertzel mistaken? Did he mean William Patrick and someone else? Brian Ross says Patrick wavered all over the place — first saying he couldn’t make it, then saying he could, then just generally being upset and saying the FBI had misled him.
Attorney Connolly is quite emphatic that Dr. H never worked with anthrax but mistaken that sophisticated equipment is needed (although of course the word “sophisticated” is vague).
Also, with respect to the suggestion Dr. H did not have access to anthrax, note his deposition testimony relating to where he worked relative to where anthrax was stored. Does that constitute a lack of access?
Fishtalk, suffice it to say that a learned District Court judge has said that there is not a “scintilla of evidence” that he is responsible for the crimes.
I think we can comfortably best rely on the District Court’s written conclusion. Not a “scintilla of evidence” is very strong legal speak meaning there is not a triable issue of fact.
I wouldn't trust anything that Spertzel had to say on the subject. He claimed that the powder was so sophisticated that it would take him YEARS to recreate it, assuming that he was given a staff to help him. But actual experts who know about spores say it was just "ordinary stuff." And the FACTS say it was just "ordinary stuff" that almost any expert microbiologist can make.
Also, with respect to the suggestion Dr. H did not have access to anthrax, note his deposition testimony relating to where he worked relative to where anthrax was stored. Does that constitute a lack of access?
Working in the same building or even near a lab where anthrax is used does NOT mean you have access to anthrax. Dr. Hatfill didn't have the security clearances needed to get into any area he wanted. Presumably, anthrax is kept under lock and key and not just laying around. He wouldn't have the keys.