U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
|
|
U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation |
|
|
| In Reply, Please Refer to Release No. |
219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604 |
|
|
|
May 3, 2002 FBI Task Force Joins BATF, USPS in Investigation of Explosive Devices Found Near Mailboxes Thomas J. Kneir, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), W. Larry Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) and Lee Harrison, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced today a joint investigation into the series of explosive devices found in or near mailboxes that have been reported in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. The Chicago FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force, comprised of investigators from the FBI, Chicago Police Department, BATF, USPS, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization (INS), Secret Service and Illinois State Police are assisting the Jo-Davies, Whiteside and Carroll County Sheriff's Departments with this investigation. The Task Force is also providing Evidence Response Technicians (ERT) to the various crime scenes to assist in the recovery of the evidence. The public is advised to exercise caution when opening their mailbox. Any suspicious package should considered a threat and not be opened. In the event any suspicious items are encountered, please contact your local law enforcement agency and remain at safe distance from the package. |
