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CNN Live Sunday

Hatfill Denies Being Anthrax Mailer

Aired August 11, 2002 - 18:05   ET

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

CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: The former Army scientist authorities have called a, quote, "person of interest" in the anthrax attacks says it wasn't him. Dr. Steven Hatfill says he was appalled by the attacks and is a loyal American. CNN's Jeanne Meserve is in Washington with more on the story that he told today.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Dr. Steven Hatfill strode before the cameras to declare himself innocent.

DR. STEVEN HATFILL, FORMER ARMY SCIENTIST: I have had nothing to do in any way, shape, or form with the mailing of these anthrax letters. And it is extremely wrong for anyone to contend or suggest that I have.

MESERVE: Government sources say Hatfill is one of about 20 people they're looking at in connection with the October anthrax attacks. One reason for their interest -- between 1997 and '99, Hatfill was a scientist at the U.S. Army medical research institute in Ft. Dietrick, Maryland, once headquarters for the U.S. Biological Warfare Program.

Hatfill, who's an expert in viruses, says he did not work with anthrax, the bacteria. Hatfill says although he has been cooperative, he's been a victim of, quote, "defamatory speculation and innuendo in the media," because of leaks from the FBI. He cited media coverage of two searches of his apartment.

HATFILL: I acknowledge the right of the authorities and the press to satisfy themselves as to whether I am the anthrax mailer. This does not, however, give them the right to smear me and gratuitously make a wasteland of my life in the process. I will not be railroaded.

MESERVE: His attorney rebutted some recent reports. Sources told CNN bloodhounds took a scent off the Capitol Hill anthrax letters and reacted strongly to Hatfill and places he'd been. His attorney called the technique "bogus."

Sources said Hatfill was recently seen dumping material from his apartment. The attorney says he was cleaning in preparation for a move. His attorney confirms authorities found a novel about a bioweapon attack on Hatfill's computer, but says the only thing that proves is that the FBI is leaking information.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

MESERVE: Now, just moments ago the FBI responded to some of the allegations made by Dr. Hatfill and his attorneys. I just got off the phone with FBI spokesman Chris Murray (ph). He says the following, quote, "we are unaware of any FBI employee" who has named a, quote, "suspect," unquote, in the anthrax deaths investigation.

Two, he says, "the FBI does not alert the news media to the service of search warrants." And three, "credible allegations concerning the mishandling of evidence will be investigated thoroughly." This apparently a reference to that novel which found its way from the hard drive on Dr. Hatfill's computer into the hands of the media.

Carol, back to you.

LIN: Jeanne, have you heard whether Hatfill or his attorney are planning any sort of formal legal action against the FBI?

MESERVE: His attorney said he would be filing a complaint with the Department of Justice in the way that some of this information has been handled. They, of course, would like to have seen all of this handled confidentially. Apparently, it has not been. So, yes, that one formal complaint, but beyond that, they have not told us about any planned legal action.

LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Jeanne Meserve, reporting live from Washington.

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