Who was Barbara Hatch Rosenberg?

Barbara Hatch Rosenberg was a molecular biologist and an influential expert on biological weapons who gained prominence for her theories on the 2001 anthrax attacks.

What was Barbara Hatch Rosenberg's theory about the anthrax attacks?

She theorized that the 2001 anthrax attacks were perpetrated by an insider, such as a government scientist or contractor, rather than foreign terrorists.

Who did the FBI initially investigate for the anthrax attacks based on Rosenberg's input?

Based on Rosenberg's theories, the FBI initially focused on scientist Steven J. Hatfill as a person of interest, though he was later exonerated.

Home / Crime and Justice / Bio-weapons Expert's Anthrax Theory Under Scrutiny

Bio-weapons Expert's Anthrax Theory Under Scrutiny

21 Apr

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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.

Bio-weapons Expert's Anthrax Theory Under Scrutiny

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.