Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 4: Machine 17
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Introduction
In the turbulent aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the United States faced a new and insidious threat: anthrax-laced letters systematically sent to government officials and institutions. Episode 4: Machine 17 of the CBC-produced series Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer delves deep into one of the most perplexing and tragic chapters of this period. Hosted by Jeremiah Kroll and produced in collaboration with Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, and CBC, this episode unpacks the intricate investigation led by the FBI, the human toll on postal workers, and the profound political ramifications that followed.
The First Wave of Fear: Thomas Morris Jr.’s Tragic Call [00:40 – 05:04]
The episode opens on October 21, 2001, with a harrowing 911 call from Thomas Morris Jr., a seasoned mail sorter at the U.S. Postal Service:
Thomas Morris Jr. [00:46]: "Breathing is late labor. My chest feels constricted. I am getting here, but to get up and walk and what have you feels like I might just pass out."
Thomas had been exposed to anthrax approximately a week earlier when a coworker opened a suspicious letter containing a white powder. Despite assurances from his superiors that there was no cause for concern, Thomas's declining health raised critical alarms:
Thomas Morris Jr. [02:13]: "They never let us know whether the thing had whether anthrax or not. I couldn't even find out if the stuff was or wasn't. I was told that it wasn't. But I have a tendency not to believe these people."
His untimely death marked the second victim of the anthrax attacks, amplifying the urgency and desperation of the FBI's investigation.
FBI Under Fire: Agent Scott Decker's Struggle [03:26 – 05:33]
FBI Agent Scott Decker, portrayed as a dedicated yet beleaguered investigator, is introduced battling immense pressure from all fronts:
FBI Agent Scott Decker [03:26]: "It was really a reactive investigation. There was no proactive. There wasn't time. I mean, if this person was going to infect more people with anthrax, it could happen anywhere. There was no real way to plan for it."
Working under the newly appointed FBI Director Robert Mueller, Decker faces unrealistic expectations in a climate rife with fear and misinformation:
FBI Agent Scott Decker [04:16]: "To not show progress was very unnerving, embarrassing...he looked at you and you knew, you better get your butt in gear."
The strain of the investigation takes a personal toll on Decker, highlighting the human cost behind the bureaucratic machinery.
Capitol Hill Under Siege: The Daschle Letter [07:21 – 13:05]
A pivotal moment occurs when a threatening anthrax-laden letter is intercepted in Senator Tom Daschle's office on Capitol Hill. Grant Leslie, an intern, inadvertently exposes herself to the deadly spores:
Grant Leslie [07:53]: "I remember holding the letter with two hands down by my feet... white powder immediately fell out all over me, on my skirt, on my shoes, on my hands, just all over my lap."
FBI Agent Scott Stanley arrives promptly to manage the crisis, emphasizing the high stakes involved:
FBI Agent Scott Stanley [09:19]: "The individual who opened that letter was still sitting in a chair. We did not enter the suite... she held it upright so nothing else spilled out."
The episode graphically portrays the chaos and fear that engulfed Capitol Hill, where decisions crucial to national security were being made under the shadow of bioterrorism.
Unveiling Machine 17: The Heart of the Contamination [23:08 – 32:19]
The investigation zeroes in on Brentwood Mail Processing and Distribution Center, particularly Machine 17—a Delivery Barcode Sorter responsible for processing vast quantities of mail. Through testimonies, the series reveals how this machine became the epicenter of anthrax contamination:
FBI Agent Scott Decker [31:08]: "The machines actually squeeze the envelopes as they're pushing them down the line... they build up a lot of paper dust, and periodically they'll clean the machines with an air hose."
This mechanical process inadvertently aerosolized anthrax spores, unsuspectingly spreading them to vulnerable postal workers like Joe Kerseen and Thomas Morris Jr.:
Grainger Representative [27:27]: "That was the first time I had ever seen my dad with tears in his eyes. It was very difficult... I just wanted to close up and be away from people at that time."
The series does not shy away from critiquing the USPS’s response, highlighting failures in protective measures and timely interventions that could have saved lives.
Political Fallout: The Passage of the USA PATRIOT Act [34:17 – 37:13]
The intense fear generated by the anthrax attacks catalyzed significant political action. President George W. Bush leveraged the crisis to push through the USA PATRIOT Act, a piece of legislation aimed at expanding governmental powers to combat terrorism:
President George W. Bush [35:21]: "This law will give intelligence and law enforcement officials important new tools to fight a present danger."
Senator Tom Daschle, under immense pressure, reflects on the delicate balance between security and privacy:
Senator Tom Daschle [36:59]: "We did the best we could given the circumstances we had. But that balance between security and privacy will be an ongoing one for decades to come."
The episode underscores how the anthrax attacks not only reshaped security protocols but also had lasting implications on civil liberties.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Struggle [37:13 – 40:09]
As October 2001 comes to a close, the FBI remains beleaguered by the complexity of the case. Agent Decker grapples with fragmented evidence and the looming possibility of a second letter:
FBI Agent Scott Decker [39:54]: "Next time it very likely could be somebody we know."
The episode concludes on a somber note, emphasizing the unresolved nature of the investigation and the enduring legacy of fear and mistrust seeded during this period.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Thomas Morris Jr. [00:46]: "Breathing is late labor. My chest feels constricted."
- FBI Agent Scott Decker [04:42]: "He had a tiger by the tail... he wanted answers and he wanted them quick."
- FBI Agent Scott Stanley [09:32]: "The individual who opened that letter was still sitting in a chair."
- President George W. Bush [35:21]: "This law will give intelligence and law enforcement officials important new tools."
- Senator Tom Daschle [36:59]: "The balance between security and privacy will be an ongoing one."
Final Thoughts
Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer meticulously reconstructs the events surrounding the 2001 anthrax attacks, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the investigation’s complexities and the broader societal impacts. Through personal stories, expert testimonies, and critical analysis, Episode 4: Machine 17 serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure and the delicate interplay between security measures and individual freedoms.
For those seeking an in-depth exploration of one of America’s most challenging bioterrorism cases, this episode provides invaluable insights and a compelling narrative that underscores the enduring quest for justice and safety.