Recounting the Anthrax Attacks: Terror, the Amerithrax Task Force, and the Evolution of Forensics in the FBI

by R. Scott Decker

It was September 18, 2001, just seven days after al-Qaeda hijackers destroyed the Twin Towers. In the early morning darkness, a lone figure dropped several letters into a mailbox. Seventeen days later a Florida journalist died of inhalational anthrax. The death from the rare disease made world news. These anthrax attacks marked the first time a sophisticated biological weapon was released in the United States. It killed five people, disfigured at least 18 more, and launched the largest investigation in the FBI’s history.

Recounting the Anthrax Attacks explores the origins of the innovative forensics used in this case, while also explaining their historical context. R. Scott Decker’s team pursued its first suspect with dogged determination before realizing that the evidence did not add up. With renewed energy, they turned to non-traditional forensics—scientific initiatives never before applied to an investigation—as they continued to hunt for clues. These advances formed the new science of microbial forensics, a novel discipline that produced critical leads when traditional methods failed. The new technologies helped identify a second suspect—one who possessed the knowledge and skills to unleash a living weapon of mass destruction.

Decker provides the first inside look at how the investigation was conducted, highlighting dramatic turning points as the case progressed until its final solution. Join FBI agents as they race against terror and the ultimate insider threat—a decorated government scientist releasing powders of deadly anthrax. Walk in the steps of these dedicated officers while they pursue numerous forensic leads before more letters can be sent until finally they confront a psychotic killer.

300 pages, Hardcover

First published February 26, 2018

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time putting this book down. It was fascinating.
Do you remember the terror of the Anthrax attacks? I do, vividly. This book very carefully chronicles the subsequent investigations and the eventual solution.
It is easy to follow despite the complexity of both the investigation and the science involved. The author did a very good job of keeping all the players distinct and easily identifiable.
The only thing that I found a little jarring was the switching from the third person to the first-person narrative form. It didn't happen often though.
I would recommend it to everyone interested in forensics or bioterrorism. I found it very informative.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views (12/18)

Soon after that fateful and sad day of September 11, 2001, now known as 9/11, the terror on the people of the United States didn’t cease, as a hidden terror began. Weeks after 9/11, a then unknown perpetrator began sending anthrax-laced letters through the U.S. Mail System, injuring and killing many postal employees and others. Included in these biologic attacks were anthrax-laced letters sent to various reporters such as Tom Brokaw, NBC, CBS, and Senator Tom Daschle.

The FBI's Biological Task Force, or Hazmat Specialist, led by this author, began working secretly and discreetly on apprehending the perpetrator(s). This book, “Recounting the Anthrax Attacks; Terror, The Amerithrax Task Force, And The Evolution Of Forensics In The FBI” by R. Scott Decker details the evolutionary methods that were utilized to detect not only "who" the sender was, but the microscopic makeup, or identifying characteristics of this rare agent.

The author’s credentials are impeccable; an FBI agent with a PhD in Genetics, with experience working in DNA and Biology. Eventually, the perpetrator was identified, but only through thousands of man hours and various investigations. “Recounting The Anthrax Attacks,” is a detailed behind the scene look at how the FBI and the author had to race against time to avoid further deaths.

“Recounting The Anthrax Attacks” by R. Scott Decker, is a riveting, exciting, whodunnit book about what this country's leading law enforcement agency had to do to protect all Americans. After reading this book, you'll realize as well as appreciate, the author sharing with us why the FBI is viewed worldwide as one of the best law enforcement agencies in the world.

I must also say that this book should be a basic, must read book for any student of Biology, DNA Research, Hematology, and Forensics Studies. And every college or university teaching the classics of Biology should have this book available as well.

[Ann Lersch Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed and fascinating

This is a very detailed, painstakingly careful explanation of every aspect, including the science, old fashioned detective work, many agencies involved, and complex challenges of investigating the 2001 anthrax mailings. The reader is struck by how quickly we have forgotten about this terrifying event, coming almost immediately on the heels on the 9-11 attacks. The level of detail and explanation really helps a lay reader understand why investigating this terror was so difficult, and why gathering evidence was so cautious and slow. While I am in the camp believing the conclusion reached by the investigation is correct, I am disappointed in some loose ends and unanswered questions - like possible explanations or theories for how the two last persons contracted anthrax despite no known route of exposure? I realize the author may be hampered by legal or ethical privacy rules or laws, but without acknowledging this he leaves the reader wondering, is there a different reason this wasn't explored? An accomplice, a second actor, something else? But on the whole a well-written and compelling book about a very dark event, scary when you wonder, could something like it happen again?

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read all that went on behind the scenes after the anthrax attacks compared to what I remember hearing/reading about in the news. Pretty incredible the time, effort, and resources that went into this investigation, and how competent the FBI is is finding the resources to meet their needs, from the different science groups they used, to the use of bloodhounds, and the different government agencies. The research the Secret Service did on finding the discrepancies in the envelopes was also pretty amazing.
A bonus was recognizing the names of two men I worked with while in grad school.
This book has a lot of science, which I loved. But it could be something others would have a hard time understanding. But there is enough non-scientific info to make this an informative book for anyone to read.

[Colin Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real-life thriller, R. Scott Decker’s RECOUNTING THE ANTHRAX ATTACKS details the massive investigation into the 2001 anthrax mailings. The amount of government agencies and private companies that responded to these attacks was amazing. Coordinating them to find the person responsible was a Herculean effort. It was a fantastic read and one I highly recommend.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this. It wasn't particularly special, but it was a good recounting (haha) of the full Amerithrax event, from the first letter to the 'resolution.' I thought SA Decker was great at describing things without getting too into the weeds, and his narrative was pleasantly devoid of personal musings or slanted screeds.

[Mysti Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great way to learn what makes people join the FBI, how it works, and how science and law enforcement can work together to keep us safe.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done play by play behind the scenes tracking the Anthrax killer. There is a fair amount of technical science laid out in the book. Be prepared.