Sometimes when you're studying for finals, it feels more like you're reading a Dan Brown novel...
He was so close he could taste it.
Dr. Bruce Ivins was a breath away from discovering a vaccine for the anthrax virus. Dollar signs flashed before his eyes. The government would pay millions for it. Perhaps a Noble prize was in his future? The possibilities were both endless and alluring for a man with humble Ohio beginnings.
Unfortunately, the government placed strict regulations on testing anthrax drugs on animals. His research hit a dead end. This news did not bode well for Ivins who was, in fact, deeply mentally disturbed. He personally admitted to having severe issues with depression and paranoia...
I'm a little dream-self, short and stout.
I'm the other half of Bruce — when he lets me out.
When I get all steamed up, I don't pout.
I push Bruce aside, then I'm free to run about.
Suddenly, in 2001, people around the United States started receiving anthrax in their mail. U.S. Senator Tom Daschle. Patrick Leahy. The news stations at ABC, CBS, NBC. People were dying.
Initially, Ivins was invited to be an investigator on the case, having himself obtained a PhD. in microbiology. For some time, the FBI focused its investigation on Steven Hatfill, considering him to be the chief suspect in the attacks. In March 2008, however, authorities exonerated him.
After Hatfill was no longer considered a suspect, Ivins began "showing signs of serious strain". As a result of his changed behavior, he lost access to sensitive areas at his job. Ivins began submitting false anthrax samples to the FBI (to throw investigators off his trail?) and was unable to provide "an adequate explanation for his late laboratory work hours" around the time of the attacks, according to the government documents.
Late in July 2008, investigators informed Ivins of his impending prosecution for his alleged involvement in the 2001 anthrax attacks that Ivins himself had previously assisted authorities in investigating.
On the morning of July 27, 2008, police found Dr. Bruce Edwards Ivins unconscious in his home. He had overdosed on prescription Tylenol with codeine. Suicide. Two days later, on a bed in Fredericks Memorial Hospital, he took his secrets to the grave.
He was so close he could taste it.
Dr. Bruce Ivins was a breath away from discovering a vaccine for the anthrax virus. Dollar signs flashed before his eyes. The government would pay millions for it. Perhaps a Noble prize was in his future? The possibilities were both endless and alluring for a man with humble Ohio beginnings.
Unfortunately, the government placed strict regulations on testing anthrax drugs on animals. His research hit a dead end. This news did not bode well for Ivins who was, in fact, deeply mentally disturbed. He personally admitted to having severe issues with depression and paranoia...
I'm a little dream-self, short and stout.
I'm the other half of Bruce — when he lets me out.
When I get all steamed up, I don't pout.
I push Bruce aside, then I'm free to run about.
Suddenly, in 2001, people around the United States started receiving anthrax in their mail. U.S. Senator Tom Daschle. Patrick Leahy. The news stations at ABC, CBS, NBC. People were dying.
Initially, Ivins was invited to be an investigator on the case, having himself obtained a PhD. in microbiology. For some time, the FBI focused its investigation on Steven Hatfill, considering him to be the chief suspect in the attacks. In March 2008, however, authorities exonerated him.
After Hatfill was no longer considered a suspect, Ivins began "showing signs of serious strain". As a result of his changed behavior, he lost access to sensitive areas at his job. Ivins began submitting false anthrax samples to the FBI (to throw investigators off his trail?) and was unable to provide "an adequate explanation for his late laboratory work hours" around the time of the attacks, according to the government documents.
Late in July 2008, investigators informed Ivins of his impending prosecution for his alleged involvement in the 2001 anthrax attacks that Ivins himself had previously assisted authorities in investigating.
On the morning of July 27, 2008, police found Dr. Bruce Edwards Ivins unconscious in his home. He had overdosed on prescription Tylenol with codeine. Suicide. Two days later, on a bed in Fredericks Memorial Hospital, he took his secrets to the grave.
