Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer - Episode 8: "This is What I Do"

Host/Author: Wolf Entertainment + CBC
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Duration: 47 minutes

Introduction and Background

Episode 8 of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer delves into the intricate investigation surrounding the 2001 anthrax attacks in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Hosted by Jeremiah Kroll and featuring narratives from Dan Goldberg and Maureen Stevens, this episode unpacks the complexities of the FBI’s pursuit of the anthrax killer, ultimately focusing on the controversial suspect, Dr. Bruce Ivins.

Maureen Stevens’ Story and Theories

Maureen Stevens, whose husband Robert Stevens was the first victim of the anthrax attacks, remains a pivotal figure in the narrative. Six years after her husband's murder, Maureen expresses frustration with the fading public memory of the anthrax case and challenges the official narrative.

Maureen Stevens ([00:25:08]): "I think it was taken out of there and I think somebody, for whatever reason, whatever agenda, they had just decided to try this and try it after September 11th because I would think that most people would associate the two."

Maureen posits that the anthrax attacks were not orchestrated by overseas terrorists but rather originated from within the United States bioweapons lab, USAMRIID. She criticizes the FBI and media for neglecting this angle, asserting her conviction despite the lack of public support.

FBI Investigation and Suspect Identification

The FBI’s investigation into the anthrax attacks was one of the most extensive in U.S. history, marked by numerous false leads and significant bureaucratic challenges. The case gained renewed momentum when agents discovered irregularities in Dr. Ivins’ laboratory practices.

Dan Goldberg ([04:08]): "They put him on the spot. Essentially, he said okay without asking for a search warrant."

Investigators found unaccounted samples of the Ames strain of anthrax in Ivins’ lab and noted his unusual after-hours activity correlating with the timing of the attacks. These findings pointed suspicion directly at Ivins, setting the stage for a deeper investigation.

Bruce Ivins’ Background and Personal Life

Dr. Bruce Ivins, a respected microbiologist at USAMRIID, became the focal point of the FBI’s investigation. Early in the episode, personal insights into Ivins’ life are revealed through testimonies from childhood friends and colleagues.

Ellen Heffner ([13:01]): "He was a quiet guy, but nice. He was always tried to do things just right."

Despite his professional acclaim, Ivins had a troubled relationship with his controlling mother and exhibited signs of psychological distress, including depression and paranoid personality disorder. These personal struggles were critical in shaping the FBI’s perception of him as a potential perpetrator.

The FBI’s Evidence Against Ivins

The case against Ivins hinged on both circumstantial and circumstantial evidence. Genetic fingerprinting played a crucial role in linking the anthrax used in the attacks to samples from Ivins’ lab.

Dan Goldberg ([07:10]): "They now know what's genetically distinct about the batch of anthrax used in the letters, which means they can finally start to compare it to those thousands of samples they'd subpoenaed years ago from labs across the country."

Despite the genetic link, the FBI faced challenges in building a concrete case, as Ivins had access to the anthrax strain and no direct evidence placing him at the crime scenes. The discovery of Ivins’ homemade body armor and his obsessive behaviors further complicated the investigation.

Psychological Profile and Deterioration

As the investigation intensified, Ivins' mental state deteriorated. Multiple confrontations with the FBI revealed inconsistencies in his statements and admitted behaviors that raised red flags.

Dan Goldberg ([16:21]): "He contradicts himself between interviews. And the hallmark of a person that lies to law enforcement is they forget to lie after a couple months."

Ivins exhibited signs of severe stress, substance abuse, and paranoid behavior, leading to involuntary psychiatric care. His fixation on a sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and a thwarted plan to poison a former colleague highlighted his disturbed psyche.

Ivins’ Death and Aftermath

In July 2008, amid mounting pressure and unresolved evidence, Bruce Ivins died by suicide. His death left the FBI without the opportunity to present his case in court, leading to significant controversy and questions about the conclusiveness of the investigation.

Dan Goldberg ([31:35]): "We are not going to have an indictment. We're not going to have a trial."

Ivins’ suicide was perceived by some as an avoidance of prosecution, while others viewed it as the final loss of a suspect who might have been innocent. The FBI faced criticism for not securing definitive proof and for the handling of the case.

Government and Public Response

Following Ivins’ death, the Department of Justice held a press conference to present the FBI’s conclusions. However, the response was met with skepticism from lawmakers and the public due to the circumstantial nature of the evidence.

Dan Goldberg ([33:29]): "You were quoted Aug. 8 Burlington Free... you are unapologetic and that it is, err... erroneous to say that there were mistakes."

Senator Chuck Grassley and Congressman Rush Holt questioned the robustness of the FBI’s investigation, highlighting the lack of direct evidence tying Ivins conclusively to the anthrax attacks.

Publication of FBI's Evidence and Senate Hearings

The FBI’s decision to publicize their findings led to increased scrutiny. Senator Mueller defended the investigation, while Congressman Rush Holt emphasized the circumstantial basis of the case against Ivins.

Congressman Rush Holt ([34:06]): "Ivan spent long hours in the lab and the envelopes were sold in Maryland. And he had personal weaknesses and strange behavior, but no witnesses, no anthrax spore, no fingerprints or personal DNA."

This discourse underscored the tension between the FBI’s confidence in their investigation and the legislative demand for more substantial evidence.

National Academy of Sciences Review

The National Academy of Sciences conducted an independent review of the FBI’s scientific methods, particularly the genetic fingerprinting used to link Ivins to the anthrax. The review acknowledged improvements but did not provide concrete conclusions, emphasizing the difficulty in drawing definitive links solely based on genetic evidence.

Senator's Perspective ([38:28]): "To Decker, I felt betrayed. I had a prior relationship, professional relationship, with at least one or two people on the committee, and it had been friendly terms, and it had turned into a hostile environment when we went into that meeting."

This led Agent Scott Decker to grapple with the perceived inadequacies in the scientific backing of the case, even as he remained convinced of Ivins’ guilt based on the cumulative evidence.

Agent Decker’s Perspective

Agent Scott Decker, the lead investigator, expressed unwavering confidence in Ivins’ guilt despite the lack of a trial. He authored a book detailing the “preponderance of evidence” against Ivins but remained troubled by the unresolved nature of the case following Ivins’ death.

Dan Goldberg ([41:49]): "I felt we had proved he did it, regardless of whether we went to trial or not or he pled guilty. In my mind, we had proven it."

Decker’s perspective highlights the personal and professional toll the case took on investigators, culminating in a sense of unfinished justice.

Final Thoughts and Ripple Effects

The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the anthrax attacks and the subsequent investigation. Despite the profound impact on victims’ families and national security protocols, the story has largely faded from public consciousness.

Maureen Stevens ([46:14]): "But in the midst of all the tragedy, there are some positive ripple effects too. You just have to look closely for them."

The implementation of biohazard detection in mail facilities, advancements in emergency response plans, and enhanced security measures in bioweapons labs are noted as enduring changes resulting from the anthrax attacks. However, the lingering uncertainties and unresolved questions regarding Ivins’ guilt continue to cast a shadow over the case.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Maureen Stevens ([00:25:08]): "I think it was taken out of there and I think somebody, for whatever reason, whatever agenda, they had just decided to try this and try it after September 11th because I would think that most people would associate the two."

• Dan Goldberg ([07:10]): "They now know what's genetically distinct about the batch of anthrax used in the letters, which means they can finally start to compare it to those thousands of samples they'd subpoenaed years ago from labs across the country."

• Dan Goldberg ([16:21]): "He contradicts himself between interviews. And the hallmark of a person that lies to law enforcement is they forget to lie after a couple months."

• Dan Goldberg ([31:35]): "We are not going to have an indictment. We're not going to have a trial."

• Dan Goldberg ([39:17]): "We all know it doesn't prove that he did it, but it sure as heck tells us which door to knock on."

• Dan Goldberg ([41:49]): "I felt we had proved he did it, regardless of whether we went to trial or not or he pled guilty. In my mind, we had proven it."

Conclusion

Episode 8 of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer provides a comprehensive examination of the FBI’s investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks, focusing on Dr. Bruce Ivins as the primary suspect. Through personal narratives, expert testimonies, and a critical analysis of the evidence and investigative processes, the episode underscores the complexities of bioterrorism investigations and the profound effects they have on individuals and institutions. Despite Ivins’ death leaving many questions unanswered, the episode highlights the enduring changes and lessons learned from one of America’s most unsettling bioterrorism cases.

Produced by Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, CBC Podcasts, and Hosted by Jeremiah Kroll.