: Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act and the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 to tighten control over biological agents.
The investigation initially focused on al-Qaeda and later on scientist Steven Hatfill before settling on , a senior bio-defense researcher at Fort Detrick. Ivins took his own life in 2008, just as the Department of Justice prepared to file formal charges against him. While the FBI concluded Ivins acted alone, some scientific panels have since questioned if the genetic evidence was definitive. A Legacy of Fear and Policy The Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of 9/11
: A 94-year-old Connecticut widow who was the final victim. The Amerithrax Investigation : Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act and
: The USPS invested billions in bio-hazard detection systems and protective gear for workers. While the FBI concluded Ivins acted alone, some
: The crisis led to massive upgrades in laboratory surge capacity and the creation of the Federal Select Agent Program .