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It was September 18, 2001, just seven days after al-Qaeda hijackers destroyed the Twin Towers. In the early morning darkness, a lone figure dropped several letters into a mailbox. Seventeen days later a Florida journalist died of inhalational anthrax. The death from the rare disease made world news. These anthrax attacks marked the first time a sophisticated biological weapon was released in the United States. It killed five people, disfigured at least 18 more, and launched the largest investigation in the FBI's history.
Recounting the Anthrax Attacks explores the origins of the innovative forensics used in this case, while also explaining their historical context. R. Scott Decker's team pursued its first suspect with dogged determination before realizing that the evidence did not add up. With renewed energy, they turned to non-traditional forensics-scientific initiatives never before applied to an investigation-as they continued to hunt for clues. These advances formed the new science of microbial forensics, a novel discipline that produced critical leads when traditional methods failed. The new technologies helped identify a second suspect-one who possessed the knowledge and skills to unleash a living weapon of mass destruction.
Decker provides the first inside look at how the investigation was conducted, highlighting dramatic turning points as the case progressed until its final solution. Join FBI agents as they race against terror and the ultimate insider threat-a decorated government scientist releasing powders of deadly anthrax. Walk in the steps of these dedicated officers while they pursue numerous forensic leads before more letters can be sent until finally they confront a psychotic killer.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Beyond Ground Zero
Chapter 2: Second Wave
Chapter 3: Under Attack
Chapter 4: Denial
Chapter 5: A Zillion Spores
Chapter 6: Floating through Air
Chapter 7: Assault on Brentwood
Chapter 8: The Springfield Operation
Chapter 9: Persons of Interest
Chapter 10: A Forensic Strategy
Chapter 11: Collecting Ames
Chapter 12: Many Directions
Chapter 13: The Ponds
Chapter 14: Genetics
Chapter 15: Consent to Search
Chapter 16: American Eagle
Chapter 17: Discrepancy
Chapter 18: Midnight Access
Chapter 19: US Secret Service
Chapter 20: Change of Command
Chapter 21: Increased Scrutiny
Chapter 22: Inconsistency and Contradiction
Chapter 23: Final Resolution
Chapter 24: Epilogue
About the author
By R. Scott Decker
Summary
This book documents and reveals new information about the anthrax attacks of 2001. Decker provides first-hand perspective detailing the new science, microbial forensics, and parts of the investigation unknown to the public.
