Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

F.B.I. Presents Anthrax Case, Saying Scientist Acted Alone
New York Times ^ | August 6, 2008 | Scott Shane

Posted on 08/07/2008 11:49:06 AM PDT by Shermy

WASHINGTON — The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday outlined a pattern of bizarre and deceptive conduct by Bruce E. Ivins, an Army microbiologist who killed himself last week, presenting a sweeping but circumstantial case that he was solely responsible for mailing the deadly anthrax letters that killed five people in 2001.

After nearly seven years of a troubled investigation, officials of the F.B.I. and the Justice Department declared that the case had been solved. Jeffrey A. Taylor, the United States attorney for the District of Columbia, said the authorities believed “that based on the evidence we had collected, we could prove his guilt to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Lawyers for Dr. Ivins reasserted their late client’s innocence and criticized the government for presenting what they called “heaps of innuendo” that failed to link him directly to the crime and would never have to be tested in court. “It was an explanation of why Bruce Ivins was a suspect,” said Paul F. Kemp, who represented the scientist for more than a year before his death on July 29 at age 62. “But there’s a total absence of proof that he committed this crime.”

The conflicting views of Dr. Ivins emerged in a day of emotional crosscurrents. At a morning memorial service at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md., weeping Army scientists praised Dr. Ivins as a beloved colleague “known for his patience and enthusiasm for science,” as a written program put it. At the same time, at F.B.I. headquarters in Washington, the F.B.I. director, Robert S. Mueller III, and bureau officials were explaining to survivors of the anthrax attacks and relatives of the five people who died why they believe Dr. Ivins was a mass murderer.

(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...


TOPICS: Anthrax Scare; Crime/Corruption; Front Page News; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: aafiasiddiqui; anthrax; antraz; bioterrorism; bruceivins; counterterrorism; elhibri; fbi; fuadelhibri; garymatsumoto; hibri; ivins; matsumoto; siddiqui; tinkerbell; tinkerbelle
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200 ... 261-275 next last
To: Shermy

There was a specific marking that one of the copiers at Rutger’s Waksman Institute was making. It matched some marking(s) on at least one of the letters.

Then, we were onto ponds, and draining them.


161 posted on 08/14/2008 1:37:02 PM PDT by Calpernia (Hunters Rangers - Raising the Bar of Integrity http://www.barofintegrity.us)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 155 | View Replies]

To: Allan
(One floating particle of anthrax is sufficient to kill someone)

One question I have is about the actual mailing.

Consider: You've finished up in your BL4 facility, and now it's time to drive up to Princeton and mail the letters. What do you use to contain the letters during the trip? Now it's time to park and walk to the mailbox and drop the letters. How do you physically do it? A space suit would be highly indiscreet and might scare the sorority girls if any are around. Maybe you just take plenty of Cipro. Would that be sufficient?

162 posted on 08/14/2008 1:40:55 PM PDT by cynwoody
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 153 | View Replies]

To: Allan

A regurgitation of our previous thoughts:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/572763/posts
Freeper Research on Anthrax Perps - Updated 9/17/01


163 posted on 08/14/2008 1:41:02 PM PDT by Calpernia (Hunters Rangers - Raising the Bar of Integrity http://www.barofintegrity.us)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 137 | View Replies]

To: ZACKandPOOK
I do not have any experts.

Some years ago
when I still thought it was possible
to get a handle on this investigation
I got a couple second hand reports
from people who seemed to be 'in the loop'.

Some said BL3 might be sufficient
(emphasis on the 'might')
others said BL4, absolutely.

My gut instinct was and is to go with BL4
given that it generally agreed
that this anthrax was of the highest possible 'standard'
never seen before
and that more than state-of-the art technology was required to make it.

It always seemed to me
getting it 'into the envelope' was the crucial problem.
If aerosolizing it
(and possibly applying the silicon)
could be done after the envelope was sealed
that might have allowed it to be done in a BL3
but I'd like to know
what possible technology could accomplish this?

But perhaps your experts have given you the lowdown on that.
I've seen no documents that describe such a possible operation.
164 posted on 08/14/2008 1:46:27 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 160 | View Replies]

To: Allan

In terms of performance parameters, note also the Dugway simulant used in the Canadian study peformed comparably — immediately dispersing across the room. The study was done to study the threat of mailed anthrax after the bail hearing of VOC (EIJ) #2 (and Ayman’s good friend) was announced. HIs bailed was denied on October 5. The real deal was mailed on October 6. The mailer was working late. The FBI’s “anthrax weapons suspect” (of the other squad) was identified by the person’s lawyer. He worked 15 feet from the leading anthrax scientist in the world and the former deputy commander of USAMRIID. He was in ongoing communication and planning with the 911 imam and Bin Laden’s sheik. He had no interest in Kappa Kappa Gamma. Sorry if it doesn’t fit your theory.


165 posted on 08/14/2008 1:49:07 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 160 | View Replies]

To: Allan

I don’t speak the tech language.

But is there a difference between BL4 and milling?

RE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fr/572763/posts?page=121#121

—An ABC reporter who writes on anthrax vaccine has privately confirmed that four labs have told him that under the electron microscope the sample looks just like material obtained by UNSCOM in Iraq. The Iraqi material was spray-dried BT. I have been told that such particles are distinguishable from milled particles. The US process did not use milling.


166 posted on 08/14/2008 2:00:12 PM PDT by Calpernia (Hunters Rangers - Raising the Bar of Integrity http://www.barofintegrity.us)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 164 | View Replies]

To: cynwoody

Maybe you get an unsuspecting accomplice to do it for you.

After all
if you are out to kill people
what difference if one more bites the dust?


167 posted on 08/14/2008 2:00:55 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 162 | View Replies]

To: ZACKandPOOK; Shermy; TrebleRebel; Mitchell; jpl; Battle Axe; EdLake; Calpernia; Stentor; okie01; ...
To rehash this ancient subject still some more:

A BL4 lab is necessary
not just to prevent contamination
but also to maintain the purity of the culture.

(A BL4 lab prevents spores from escaping
it also prevents contaminants from entering.)

The Daschle anthrax
it seems univerally agreed
was of an exceptionally high purity
never obtained before.

This again rules out the use of a BL3.
(In fact it probably is the strongest reason for ruling out BL3)

I don't know what your expert friends have to say about that.

(I tried to explain this to you as well
a long time ago
but to no avail
it seems.)
168 posted on 08/14/2008 2:14:24 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 165 | View Replies]

To: Allan

Oh, just give it up and accept the official story.

It’s so much more easier mentally to go with the Official Designated Reality.


169 posted on 08/14/2008 2:19:22 PM PDT by swarthyguy (Osama Freedom Day: 2500 or so since September 11 2001! That's SIX +years, Dubya.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 168 | View Replies]

To: Calpernia

“Freeper Research on Anthrax Perps - Updated 9/17/01”

That date, It’s remarkable!


170 posted on 08/14/2008 2:21:17 PM PDT by Shermy (Currently suffering from Tagliner's Block.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 163 | View Replies]

To: Calpernia

BL4 is the laboratory where anthrax might be produced.
(4 refers to the security level, which is the highest,
though I’ve heard rumours that BL5 labs may exist)

Milling is a technique that might be used to make the powdered anthrax.

Please follow the link I gave in #137 which gives an excellent summary of biological security.


171 posted on 08/14/2008 2:29:36 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 166 | View Replies]

To: Allan

1. You say that a BL-4 is necessary to maintain the purity of the culture. What do you make of the subtilus contamination of the attack anthrax?

2. Who had BL-4s in September 2001?

3. Let’s see. You’ve never weaponized anthrax and the experts with whom I’ve consulted on the subject for 7 years have weaponized anthrax and simulants for a living. My consulting scientist is head of a lab that made simulant that matching parameters (to include, for example, images I’ve shown TrebleRebel. You not only have never made anthrax simulant (as best I know) but have never forwarded SEMS. I think it is you who is not abiding by any sort of scientific approach.

But let’s start with the easy question. Who had BL-4s and where were they located? Not Battelle, Ohio? Battelle at Dugway? And under my theory it involves the Battelle consultants, chief DIA biothreat person, a former USAMRIID commander with access to the keys to the kingdom, and an infiltrator who is working to destroy Western Civilization — even PhD theses relating to theft of equipment, access, infiltration. Your theory,... your theory... I don’t know that you’ve ever stated it. But by all means, start with the easy question of identifying the location of the BL-4 labs and explaining the subtilus contamination.


172 posted on 08/14/2008 2:39:25 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 168 | View Replies]

To: Allan

What do you make of the MSNBC report that the isotope ratios indicate that the culture was grown in the Northeastern United States? (the map in the actual studies actually would seem to include the adjacent parts of Canada).

Does Suffield have a BL-4?


173 posted on 08/14/2008 2:50:03 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 172 | View Replies]

To: Allan

In terms of rehashing, moreover, you say:

“Milling is a technique that might be used to make the powdered anthrax.”
when forensically milling can be ruled out and was ruled out 6 years ago.

When press reports use the word milling, Ed is quick to explain the error.


174 posted on 08/14/2008 2:57:15 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 173 | View Replies]

To: ZACKandPOOK
Sorry if it doesn’t fit your theory.

I have no theory.

175 posted on 08/14/2008 3:00:42 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 165 | View Replies]

To: Allan

I think we can agree that experts qualified to say whether a BL-3 versus BL-4 is required (or some other means) include Patrick, Alibek and Ezzell.

Dr. Patrick thought the FBI’s theory about loading the envelopes in ponds was stupid — because of the moisture problem. Drying is the key to making a good product. My military scientist says the FBI has underestimated the importance of drying skill in the process.


176 posted on 08/14/2008 3:06:02 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 175 | View Replies]

To: ZACKandPOOK

I don’t believe Suffield has a BL4.
I’m slightly skeptical on the isotope ratios.
Maybe they show something, maybe not.
Same for the silicon coating.
Too many contradictory reports and possible disinformation on this.
The purity and aerosolization of the Daschle anthrax seems to be the one thing that is not in doubt.


177 posted on 08/14/2008 3:15:24 PM PDT by Allan (*-O)):~{>)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 173 | View Replies]

To: ZACKandPOOK; Shermy
What do you think of my point about spray drying? I know they can get down to 2-3 micron of liquid pretty easily.
With air classification of a log-bimodal droplet distribution (which I did for painting millions of medical devices) one could reasonably capture droplets a third the size of that (0.6-0.9 micron) already charged to 60-100 KV, drying would take it to much smaller than that. How to do the air classification I won't explain here.

Well?

Cab O Sil is a common additive (we had it in our product). I don't do pharmaceuticals, but I know my droplets. I do not know what's involved with the active though.

I don't have more time to waste on this, so if this is too off the wall to be of any use please let me know.

178 posted on 08/14/2008 3:17:46 PM PDT by Carry_Okie (There are people in power with desire for evil.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 174 | View Replies]

To: Allan

I would think the silicone could be obtained as a residual surfactant in a sprayed and dried mixture.


179 posted on 08/14/2008 3:20:03 PM PDT by Carry_Okie (There are people in power with desire for evil.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 177 | View Replies]

To: Carry_Okie; Shermy

For years I assumed a Bucchi mini-spraydryer was used. It has long been capable of a uniform 1 micron particle distribution. The Bucchi technical person said a charge is inevitable due to the speed out the nozzle. The mini-spraydryer, IMO, was indicated for the reason pointed out by Allan — bigger than that and you can’t control contamination. Also, as noted by William Patrick, the small amount used indicates small scale production. But I was relying on Ken Alibek as my principal authority. Richard Spertzel also. But then Ken in his BIOHAZARD 2 draft had gone with a fluidized bed dryer. Now authorities suggest a lysophilizer which Dr. Niman says would work. Personally, in addition to the Bucchi mini-spraydryer, I always voted for the MICROBIAL VAC, a US Army funded device in prototype that in 2001 could sequentially filter and concentrate up to a 1 trillion spores (can reach the purity and concentration Allan mentions). The man arrested when Ali’s townhouse was searched (the hour and minute) had a friend and colleague and supervisor who consulted on the US-Army funded project. It was used to concentrate the sample in testing for anthrax on carcasses. A prototype was in the microbiology department at Iowa State held by JD. If this speculation were true, however, it would mean that not only DARPA biochemistry info was accessed by an infiltrator, but US Army concentrating technoloogy was used. By Andrew Card’s former assistant no less. An awkward position to be in for sure. I spoke to the inventor who said it could only be used on a small scale. I spoke to the other consulting scientist and he explained he only worked on the statistics, and never had the device or virulent Ames. The Iowa State professor was very forthcoming — as were they all. If the FBI did not find the right answer, it was not for the lack of forthright people willing to help who were never even contacted. Even the fellow who actually isolated and mailed the Ames had not been interviewed before the next year or so Battle Axe contacted him in retirement. Instead, we have this mess where there is fingerpointing among people at the center of the investigation — all because the new crew never came to understand the counterintelligence analysis that applied. Director Mueller’s compartmentalization was a big mistake because connections were missed. If he had required polygraphs of his prosecutors and investigators the continued leaks in 2003 could have been avoided. The leaker’s daughter now works for Al-Timimi pro bono. He moved over from the CIA on September 29, 2001. In the case of infiltration by US-based Salafi-Jihadis, it has to be investigated with an eye straddling a “domestic” and jihadi theory. Aafia Siddiqui is an example. And having conspiracy theorists like TR around always is useful because you never know when you might need them.

August 14, 2008
The Real Bioterror Threat
http://www.gooznews.com/archives/001148.html


180 posted on 08/14/2008 3:44:10 PM PDT by ZACKandPOOK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 178 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200 ... 261-275 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson