Anthrax Attacks of 2001: The First Mailing

On September 18, 2001, the first of several anthrax-laden letters was mailed from Princeton, New Jersey, marking the beginning of a bioterrorism attack that would grip the United States in fear and uncertainty. This event occurred just a week after the September 11 terrorist attacks, adding to the nation’s anxiety.

Context and Background

The anthrax attacks, often referred to as “Amerithrax,” involved letters containing anthrax spores sent to various media outlets and government officials. The timing of these attacks, so soon after ⁹⁄₁₁, led to widespread panic and speculation about the perpetrators and their motives.

Key Events

• Initial Targets: The first wave of letters was sent to media organizations, including ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, the New York Post, and the National Enquirer. These letters were postmarked September 18, 2001, from Trenton, New Jersey.

• Subsequent Mailings: A second wave of letters, postmarked October 9, 2001, targeted two Democratic Senators, Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy, further escalating the situation.

• Content of the Letters: The letters contained a white powder identified as anthrax spores, a deadly bacterium. The messages included in the letters were threatening and referenced the ⁹⁄₁₁ attacks.

Impact and Consequences

• Casualties and Infections: The anthrax attacks resulted in five deaths and 17 infections. The victims included postal workers, media employees, and others who came into contact with the contaminated letters.

• Public Fear and Response: The attacks led to widespread fear of bioterrorism. The U.S. government and public health agencies launched extensive investigations and response measures, including the distribution of antibiotics to potentially exposed individuals.

• Investigation: The FBI’s investigation, known as “Amerithrax,” became one of the largest and most complex in the agency’s history. It took several years before the investigation concluded, with the primary suspect being Bruce Edwards Ivins, a scientist at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases. Ivins died by suicide in 2008 before any charges were filed.

Broader Historical Significance

The anthrax attacks highlighted vulnerabilities in the U.S. postal system and the nation’s preparedness for bioterrorism. They led to increased security measures and changes in how mail is handled, particularly in government and media sectors. The attacks also spurred advancements in biodefense research and policy.

In summary, the anthrax mailings of 2001 were a significant bioterrorism event that compounded the fear and uncertainty following the September 11 attacks. They underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness against unconventional threats.