FBI DIRECTOR
ROBERT S. MUELLER III
PRESS CONFERENCE, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HEADQUARTERS
Images
of Anthrax Letters
Good afternoon.
This afternoon, I want to spend a few moments at the outset talking
about the anthrax issue.
As most of you know,
the FBI is investigating anthrax exposures and suspected anthrax exposures
in Florida, in New York, here in Washington, DC, and elsewhere around
the country where such exposures have been reported. Every threat is
taken seriously. Every threat receives a full response. We have no choice
but to assume that each reported instance is an actual bio-threat. And
while organized terrorism has not been ruled out, so far we have found
no direct link to organized terrorism.
There
are, however, certain similarities between letters sent to NBC
in New York and to Senator Daschle's office here in Washington.
We're now testing, analyzing, and comparing powders from these
letters to each other and to what we know from Florida. And I
should point out that the tests are being done under the auspices
of the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC.
Since
October 1, the FBI has responded to more than 2,300 incidents
or suspected incidents involving anthrax or other dangerous agents.
And as all of you know, an overwhelming majority of these incidents
have been false alarms or practical jokes. The FBI will devote
whatever resources are necessary to investigate each of these
situations.
However,
I want to reiterate the comments of the Attorney General. Hoaxes,
pranks and threats involving chemical or biological agents are
serious crimes and warrant a serious response. They will be investigated
thoroughly and vigorously by Special Agents of the FBI, by the
postal authorities, by local authorities and by other law enforcement.
As the
indictment discussed today makes clear, individuals who attempt
to prey on people's fears or even to pull a prank will pay a
price. In addition to the price that they are paying, they should
know that they are squandering millions of dollars in public
health and law enforcement resources, resources that could be
better spent in responding to actual terrorist acts. More importantly,
they are taking manpower and time away from individuals who could
be ensuring that there are no future terrorist acts.
As incidents
arise, we are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control,
with city and state public health officials, and with a host
of federal, state and local law enforcement authorities. We greatly
appreciate the help and expertise.
FBI investigators
and specially trained scientists, public safety officers, and
hazardous materials response experts are being called upon as
needed, whether they be at the federal government level or the
state or the local level. We are making a concerted and coordinated
effort to keep state and local law enforcement authorities informed
and involved. Quite obviously, their skills and expertise are
top notch, and we need their help.