The Second Wave of Anthrax Letters: October 9, 2001

On October 9, 2001, a second wave of anthrax-laden letters was mailed in the United States, targeting prominent political figures, specifically Senators Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy. This event was part of the 2001 anthrax attacks, a series of bioterrorism incidents that occurred shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, causing widespread fear and disruption.

Context and Background

• Initial Attacks: The anthrax attacks began in late September 2001, when letters containing anthrax spores were sent to several media outlets, resulting in the deaths of five people and infecting 17 others.
• Anthrax: Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It can be used as a biological weapon due to its high lethality and ability to be aerosolized.

Key Events on October 9, 2001

• Targeted Senators: The letters sent on October 9 were addressed to Senator Tom Daschle, who was the Senate Majority Leader at the time, and Senator Patrick Leahy, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• Discovery and Response: The letter to Senator Daschle was opened on October 15, 2001, in the Hart Senate Office Building, releasing anthrax spores into the air. This prompted an immediate evacuation and a massive decontamination effort.
• Impact on Capitol Hill: The discovery of the anthrax letters led to the closure of several Senate office buildings and the testing of thousands of people for exposure to anthrax. The incident heightened security concerns and led to significant disruptions in government operations.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Investigation: The FBI launched an extensive investigation, known as “Amerithrax,” to identify the perpetrator(s) behind the attacks. The investigation lasted several years and involved numerous leads and suspects.
• Bruce Edwards Ivins: In 2008, the FBI identified Bruce Edwards Ivins, a scientist at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, as the primary suspect. Ivins died by suicide before any charges were filed, leaving some questions about the case unresolved.
• Legislative and Security Changes: The attacks led to increased security measures for handling mail in government and media offices. It also prompted legislative changes to improve the nation’s preparedness for biological threats.

Broader Historical Significance

The anthrax attacks of 2001 underscored the vulnerabilities of modern societies to biological warfare and terrorism. They highlighted the need for improved public health infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. The events also contributed to the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the United States following the September 11 attacks, influencing both domestic policies and international relations in the years that followed.