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Bio-weapons Expert's Anthrax Theory Under Scrutiny
21 Apr
Summary
- Expert's theory on 2001 anthrax attacks involved an insider.
- FBI initially pursued Steven J. Hatfill based on expert's input.
- Bruce E. Ivins later became the focus, dying by suicide in 2008.
Barbara Hatch Rosenberg, an influential expert on biological weapons, passed away at 97 on March 14 in Northampton, Massachusetts. She became a prominent voice during the FBI's investigation into the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks. Rosenberg, a molecular biologist, theorized that the attacks originated from an insider, possibly a government scientist or contractor, rather than foreign terrorists.
Her theories drew significant attention from the FBI and media, leading them to focus on scientist Steven J. Hatfill. However, Hatfill was later cleared and received a settlement. The investigation eventually shifted to Bruce E. Ivins, another government scientist with access to anthrax samples, who died by suicide in July 2008, shortly before Hatfill's exoneration.
Rosenberg, a former advisor to the Clinton White House, was a staunch opponent of biological weapons. She had previously criticized the Bush administration for rejecting a treaty to monitor compliance with the international Biological Weapons Convention. Her work on biological weapons gained public consciousness following the anthrax attacks, which resulted in five deaths and 17 illnesses.
