Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 1: Isolated Incident
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Hosts: Wolf Entertainment + CBC
Introduction
In the chilling premiere of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer, listeners are plunged into the harrowing events that unfolded in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This episode, titled "Isolated Incident," delves deep into the lesser-known anthrax attacks that compounded the nation's trauma and sparked one of the FBI's most complex investigations. Through firsthand accounts and declassified materials, the episode unravels the intricate web of fear, confusion, and relentless pursuit that defined this dark chapter in American history.
The Immediate Aftermath of 9/11
The episode opens with the catastrophic events of September 11, vividly described by FBI Special Agent Scott Decker:
Scott Decker [00:40]: "I mean, this was a huge crime scene. Most people don't think about it as a crime scene, but it was a crime scene... The World Trade Center, both towers gone. Thousands are dead and injured."
As the skyline of New York transformed into a scene of devastation, the psychological impact on the American populace was profound:
Scott Decker [00:57]: "The psyche of the American population has been forever changed."
Emergence of the Anthrax Attacks
Approximately 12 hours after the 9/11 attacks, the nation was blindsided by a new wave of terror: anthrax-laced letters began to circulate, leading to widespread fear and chaos. Scott Decker recounts the urgency with which the FBI responded:
Scott Decker [01:27]: "I was told to grab four of the guys, load up our Suburbans with evidence collection equipment, Hazmat gear... We loaded up the trucks that evening."
Navigating through a New York City that had effectively closed its borders, Decker and his team faced immediate logistical challenges:
Scott Decker [01:54]: "New York City closed even to the FBI. Bridges were shut down, landlines were out, and cell phones weren't working well."
Upon reaching Manhattan, Decker describes the bleakness of Ground Zero:
Scott Decker [02:33]: "As we flew over Manhattan and we flew over ground zero... it was just Ashes. Buildings were in ash. They were just big piles underground."
The Hidden Threat: Biological Warfare
While the nation grappled with the devastation of the towers, Decker was acutely aware of another looming threat—a potential secondary attack involving biotoxins. This was driven by intelligence suggesting Al Qaeda's intent to unleash a biological assault:
Scott Decker [03:30]: "We expected a secondary attack. There were rumors of a biological attack."
Decker's role in the FBI's new hazardous response team positioned him at the forefront of detecting signs of such attacks, although unbeknownst to the public, their focus was misdirected towards the wrong city.
Unraveling the Anthrax Mystery
The narrative shifts to Florida, where Robert Stevens, a 63-year-old newspaper photo editor, becomes the first known victim of inhalation anthrax in the United States in nearly 25 years. His sudden illness and subsequent diagnosis shocked medical professionals:
Dr. Larry Bush [10:53]: "They almost never, ever cause spinal fluid infection, meningitis, but one does. Anthrax."
Dr. Bush's realization that Stevens' infection was anthrax—a bacterium rarely encountered in such contexts—set off alarm bells for potential bioterrorism:
Dr. Larry Bush [11:03]: "I was convinced this is anthrax. I don't have 100% proof."
Despite initial skepticism from institutions like the CDC, local health officials Jean Malecki and Larry Bush persisted in their suspicions, leading to the confirmation of a laboratory strain of anthrax that suggested intentional dissemination.
FBI's Multi-Pronged Investigation
Agent Scott Decker's expertise in genetics made him a pivotal figure in the FBI's investigation. His collaboration with Dr. Paul Keim, an esteemed expert in pathogen identification, was crucial in tracing the anthrax strain back to its origins:
Colleen Rowley [26:07]: "For the last 30 years, I've been involved in trying to develop DNA methods for precisely identifying strains of dangerous pathogens..."
The investigation uncovered unsettling connections, including suspicious activities at flight schools and nearby airstrips linked to Al Qaeda operatives. Notably, an eerie coincidence emerged when the airfield frequented by some 9/11 terrorists was located within close proximity to Stevens' residence, intensifying the FBI's urgency to solve the case.
Escalating Tensions and Public Fear
As evidence pointed towards a bioterrorism event, the nation was gripped by fear. Press conferences became battlegrounds for conflicting narratives, with health officials striving to prevent panic while dealing with an unprecedented public health crisis:
Scott Decker [33:09]: "I want to stress two things. First of all, that this is an isolated case, and second, that this is not contagious."
Meanwhile, Dr. Larry Bush grappled with the moral dilemma of providing hope amidst grim medical realities:
Dr. Larry Bush [32:36]: "The difficult part for me in that press conference was Maureen Stevens was sitting in the front and they said to me, is Bob Stevens going to die?"
Intersecting Paths: Aviation and Anthrax
The investigation took a darker turn as patterns emerged linking crop dusters—planes used for agricultural spraying—to potential methods of anthrax dissemination. Willie Lee, a seasoned crop dusting pilot, recounted suspicious interactions with individuals who later were identified as key Al Qaeda operatives:
Scott Decker [21:23]: "You know, that would tip me off right off the bat."
These revelations suggested a chilling possibility of airborne bioterrorism, aligning the anthrax attacks with the modus operandi of the 9/11 hijackers.
Ongoing Mysteries and Unanswered Questions
Despite the convergence of evidence, the episode underscores the lingering uncertainties that plagued the investigation. Claims of false narratives, investigative missteps, and the elusive nature of the true perpetrator kept the case shrouded in mystery:
Colleen Rowley [07:56]: "I would not consider the case to be closed."
As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of unresolved tension, setting the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent episodes.
Notable Quotes
- Scott Decker [00:40]: "This was a huge crime scene... the World Trade Center, both towers gone."
- Dr. Larry Bush [10:53]: "They almost never, ever cause spinal fluid infection, meningitis, but one does. Anthrax."
- Scott Decker [07:56]: "I would not consider the case to be closed."
- Colleen Rowley [26:07]: "For the last 30 years, I've been involved in trying to develop DNA methods for precisely identifying strains of dangerous pathogens..."
- Scott Decker [21:23]: "You know, that would tip me off right off the bat."
Conclusion
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer Episode 1, "Isolated Incident," skillfully sets the foundation for a gripping exploration of bioterrorism, governmental response, and the quest for justice in a time of national vulnerability. By spotlighting the intersecting challenges faced by investigators and medical professionals, the episode not only sheds light on a forgotten chapter of post-9/11 America but also underscores the enduring quest to uncover the truth behind one of the most perplexing cases of modern history.
Tune in next week for the continuation of this compelling investigation or binge the entire series ad-free by subscribing to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts.