Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer

Episode 7: Pot of Gold

Release Date: April 30, 2025
Hosts: Wolf Entertainment + CBC

Introduction and Context

In Episode 7, "Pot of Gold," of the Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer podcast series, narrator Jeremiah Kroll delves deep into the intertwined narratives of political maneuvering and relentless FBI investigation that surrounded the infamous anthrax attacks in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. This episode particularly focuses on the pivotal moments that led to the misdirection of blame towards Iraq and the subsequent shift in the FBI's investigation towards scientist Dr. Bruce Ivins.

Colin Powell's UN Speech and Political Pressure

The episode opens in early 2003 within the tense corridors of the White House's Oval Office. Colin Powell, then the U.S. Secretary of State, finds himself under immense pressure from President George W. Bush to address the unresolved anthrax attacks. Despite the FBI's inability to pinpoint the perpetrator, Bush pushes a narrative linking Iraq to the bioterrorism incidents.

Jeremiah Kroll describes a critical moment:

"In the absence of a clear answer, Powell's boss, President George W. Bush, has come up with his own." [00:26]

Colin Powell grapples with the weight of responsibility, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the intelligence is sound:

"I spent four days and nights out at the CIA going over it and asking every way I could, are you sure of this?" [02:08]

On February 5, 2003, Powell delivers a landmark speech at the UN Security Council, using a vial filled with white powder as a prop to illustrate the potential threat of anthrax:

"This is just about the amount of a teaspoon... less than a teaspoonful of dry anthrax in an envelope shut down the United States Senate..." [04:01]

The FBI Investigation and Scott Decker's Dedication

Parallel to the political theater, FBI Agent Scott Decker is deeply immersed in the anthrax investigation. Decker, portrayed as a meticulous and open-minded investigator, becomes increasingly skeptical of the FBI's focus on Dr. Steven Hatfill:

"When I looked at it from a scientific standpoint... Hatfill did not have the training or the experience in bacillus anthracis or in bacteriology at all." [06:55]

Decker's insistence on exploring all avenues without bias showcases his commitment:

"You develop experiments where you would just continually prove your hypothesis without self critiquing... you've got to keep an open mind." [05:56]

Shifting Suspicion to Dr. Bruce Ivins

As the investigation stalls, Decker begins to suspect another scientist within the FBI's radar: Dr. Bruce Ivins. Ivins, a respected anthrax researcher at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRID), exhibits peculiar behavior that raises red flags. An early interaction between Decker and Ivins hints at underlying tensions:

"I naively said, well, that's exactly the same as using it as a weapon... He immediately changed and went irate." [09:20]

Further scrutiny reveals Ivins' obsessive behavior and connections to Dr. Nancy Hegwood, who had previously reported odd incidents involving Ivins, including impersonation and harassment:

"He had assumed her identity and written as if he were a member of KKG." [32:52]

Forensic Breakthroughs: Genetic Fingerprinting and Envelope Analysis

A significant turning point in the investigation comes with advancements in genetic fingerprinting, inspired by the Human Genome Project:

"Claire Fraser and her team at TIGR had been pursuing this genetic fingerprint for more than a year now." [14:17]

Simultaneously, Decker explores forensic analysis of the anthrax-laden envelopes. By examining microscopic printing defects in the pre-printed stamps, the team narrows down potential sources:

"A microscopic printing defect on each of the anthrax envelopes. A slight blue line along the bottom edge of the eagle's right wing." [22:49]

Despite the vast number of envelopes, these minute discrepancies provide a forensic pathway to potentially identify the perpetrator.

The Aftermath: Iraq War and Political Consequences

While the FBI grapples with scientific evidence, the political narrative spirals out of control. President Bush's declaration of war on Iraq is depicted as a catastrophic misstep fueled by flawed intelligence:

"When Colin Powell waved that vial of fake anthrax at the UN, he said he did it with the confidence that he was telling the truth." [36:49]

Colin Powell later reflects on his regret:

"I deeply regret that the information, some of the information... was wrong and it is a lot on my record." [37:50]

The war in Iraq leads to devastating consequences for the Iraqi populace, with Brown University reporting approximately 134,000 civilian deaths directly linked to the conflict.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

As the episode concludes, the FBI's investigation inches closer to identifying Dr. Bruce Ivins as a prime suspect. The discovery of the genetic fingerprint and envelope discrepancies positions Ivins at the center of the case, despite his seemingly unassuming demeanor:

"The complexity of this investigation... it's highly unlikely that there were large stockpiles of deployed militarized chemical and biological weapons there." [36:01]

The episode underscores the profound impact of political decisions intertwined with flawed intelligence, leaving lasting scars both domestically and internationally.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Decker:
  "When I looked at it from a scientific standpoint... Hatfill did not have the training or the experience in bacillus anthracis or in bacteriology at all." [06:55]

• Colin Powell:
  "I deeply regret that the information, some of the information... was wrong and it is a lot on my record." [37:50]

• Bruce Ivins:
  "This is Bruce Ivins. I just wanted to tell you how. Just disappointed in the betrayed I feel." [38:52]

Final Thoughts

Episode 7, "Pot of Gold," masterfully intertwines the high-stakes political landscape with a methodical criminal investigation, highlighting the tragic consequences of misapplied intelligence and the unwavering dedication of those seeking the truth. For listeners unfamiliar with the series, this episode serves as a compelling chapter in understanding the complex web of events that reshaped America in the early 2000s.

Produced by Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, and CBC, this eight-part series offers unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing the hidden impact of the anthrax attacks that still lingers today.