Half a decade after deadly acts of bioterrorism, which killed 5 people, the FBI has revealed the anthrax powder used was not as sophisticated nor far reaching as earlier suspected. The powder, which was made to coat mail and letters is a dangerous substance when inhaled or any other form of contact. However, deeper investigations have showed that the anthrax was not close to the 'military grade biological weapon' description that was attached to it.
Added, there is also cause to believe that the specific strain of Anthrax is more common than expected – it has been detected in laboratories across the globe. This new development largely increases the list of suspects for the FBI, which now extend to thousands, over several nations. The FBI refuses to name any particular 'person of interest' describing the list as a 'fluid' one.
It has been ascertained that the individual involved would necessarily be very familiar with the formulations of similar weapons developed by the United States in the decades of the '50s and '60s. The concerned scientist would also have required equipment and technology of considerable standard combined with indepth knowledge of microbiology.
The powder thus created, resulted in a record breaking trillion spores per gram. However, no techniques to enhance the spread or effectiveness of the substance was used.
Despite these increasingly difficult investigations, Persichini, of the FBI's Washington office emphasizes that the morale and determination of the involved officials remains strong as ever. He points out that they have not forgotten the innocent people who perished in the act and states that new leadership has been assigned to the investigations. The case is currently led by Special Agent Ed Montooth whose team includes an investigative group of 17 agents and 10 postal inspectors working round the clock.
