Scientists Question FBI Probe On Anthrax

[Eugene]

Source: Washington Post

Scientists Question FBI Probe On Anthrax
Ivins Could Not Have Been Attacker, Some Say

By Joby Warrick, Marilyn W. Thompson and Aaron C. Davis
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, August 3, 2008; Page A01

-snip-

Negotiations over the legal issues continue, but a
government source said that the probe could be shuttered
as early as tomorrow. The move would amount to a strong
signal that the FBI and Justice Department think they
got their man -- and that he is dead, foreclosing the
possibility of a prosecution. No charges are likely
against others, that source added.

-snip-

One bioweapons expert familiar with the FBI investigation
said Ivins indeed possessed the skills needed to create
the dust-fine powder used in the attacks. At the Army lab
where he worked, Ivins specialized in making sophisticated
preparations of anthrax bacteria spores for use in animal
tests, said the expert, who requested anonymity because
the investigation remains active.

-snip-

But others, including former colleagues and scientists
with backgrounds in biological weapons defense, disagreed
that Ivins could have created the anthrax powder, even if
he were motivated to do so.

"USAMRIID doesn't deal with powdered anthrax," said
Richard O. Spertzel, a former biodefense scientist who
worked with Ivins at the Army lab. "I don't think there's
anyone there who would have the foggiest idea how to do it.
You would need to have the opportunity, the capability and
the motivation, and he didn't possess any of those."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/02/AR2008080201632.html

[Muttocracy]

1. NPR had a snippet from his former boss who wasn't buying it either

I can dig it up if anyone wants it; I posted it somewhere on DU