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CNN Live At Daybreak

FBI Sends Subpoenas for Anthrax Samples

Aired February 28, 2002 - 06:07   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: It's been five months now since the anthrax scare broke out. Despite a $2 1/2 million reward, investigators still don't know where the anthrax spores came from nor do they have any suspects.

But as CNN's Susan Candiotti reports, investigators took a step yesterday they hope will bring results.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Nearly five months after first victim Robert Stevens died, the FBI is only now asking for anthrax samples from labs that could have been the source of the deadly spores.

DAN MILHALKO, POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE: It's taken us awhile to actually get to this point, to realize exactly what we're asking for ...

CANDIOTTI: Subpoenas went out this week, so investigators can compare samples from the labs to the spores found in letters sent to media outlets and Capitol Hill. What took so long? The FBI says it first had to work out what to do with the samples once it got them, pointing out serious health risks and potential for danger in handling anthrax.

DR. RONALD ATLAS, SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY: And the critical point here is having the scientific background so that useful analyses can be made.

CANDIOTTI: Among those complying, university and private labs, both here and overseas. Samples are being shipped to the Army's research lab at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, itself a focus of the investigation. Some say the anthrax killer could have had a military background. As the subpoenas go out, scientists are also close to identifying a genetic fingerprint of the anthrax spores. It could lead investigators to one lab -- maybe.

JILL TREWHELLA, LOS ALAMOS LAB SCIENTIST: It's feasible. That is certainly feasible. I don't think we can guarantee it.

CANDIOTTI: For months agents have also been testing hundreds of copy machines mainly in New Jersey where the anthrax letters were mailed. So far the FBI says it has not pinpointed the machine that printed the letters. Investigators are focusing on the Trenton area and have flooded homes and businesses for flyers promising a $2 1/2 million reward for help. It hasn't.

Which means the FBI after nearly five months and hundreds of interviews is not yet ready to close in on a suspect, someone they describe as very clever and so far, uncatchable.

Susan Candiotti, CNN, Washington.

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