Tests link Florida, N.Y. anthrax

By Karen Gullo

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Preliminary tests show the anthrax sent to NBC in New York and a tabloid newspaper company in Florida were the same strain, and the FBI is pursuing "substantive leads" in the investigation into who may have sent the bacteria, officials said Wednesday.

Law enforcement and other U.S. officials said there was no evidence so far of foreign terrorist involvement in the anthrax attacks, although they continue to investigate that possibility. One official said some evidence might suggest a domestic source.

There is no evidence the anthrax was associated with a weapons program, although the powdery substance found in an envelop sent to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle’s office in Washington, D.C., appeared more refined and likely to become airborne, officials said.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the anthrax attacks could be the work of a group and individuals working independently.

"It may be that there is some of both here," Ashcroft said on PBS’ "News Hour With Jim Lehrer."

He also said those responsible for mailing anthrax may also be attempting to divert the attention of investigators by perpetrating anthrax hoaxes.

"There may in fact be some linkage," Ashcroft said.

A chilling note warning, "You’ve been exposed to anthrax. You’re going to die," was in the letter sent to Daschle’s office, one senator said.

According to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., who was briefed on the anthrax exposure at Daschle’s office, the letter was taped on all four sides, prompting Daschle’s assistant to cut the envelope open with a scissors. At that point some white powder leaked out onto a desk.

After reading the note, the aide dropped the letter onto the floor and others in the office gathered around it. More than 30 people from Daschle’s office have tested positive for anthrax.

The investigation was moving on several fronts as authorities conducted complex tests on the anthrax that has shown up in at least four cities in recent days — including NBC News in New York and American Media Inc. in Boca Raton, Fla.

After preliminary testing, said Dr. David Fleming of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "the strain in New York appears to match the strain in Florida."

The strain occurs naturally, commonly being found in hoofed animals like cows and deer, CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said. CDC officials declined to more specifically identify the strain, citing the ongoing probe.

It was not yet clear whether the Washington anthrax came from the same strain, officials said.

Matching strains do not necessarily mean the anthrax came from the same source. More tests would be needed to confirm that, officials have said.

Investigators reported some leads based on evidence derived from the powdery substance found in letters sent to various locations.

"We have substantive leads," said a senior federal law enforcement official in bioterrorism. "We have leads in the sense of working with the material."

The source declined to provide details.

Investigators are examining the type of expertise that would be required to develop refined anthrax like the type sent to Daschle’s office and the facilities and equipment that would be necessary to make it.

Law enforcement officials said there was some indication the anthrax found in the letter to Daschle’s office was professionally made but not of the grade found in weapons. Daschle said it was responsive to antibiotics.

One official said there was evidence that could point toward a domestic culprit. The preliminary tests on the New York and Florida strains indicated the strain was common to the United States.

Copyright ©2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Three injured after high-speed, head-on collision on Highway 522

Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash that happened before 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Fernando Espinoza salts the sidewalk along Fifth Avenue South on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Think this is cold, Snohomish County? Wait until Tuesday

Tuesday could bring dangerous wind chill during the day and an overnight low of 19 degrees

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Washington State Department of Licensing office is seen in 2018 in Seattle. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Drivers licensing offices to close Feb. 14-17

Online services are also not available Feb. 10-17. The Washington State Department of Licensing said the move is necessary to upgrade software.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.