National Academy of Sciences to review FBI’s lab work in anthrax investigation

Science agency to review FBI’s anthrax probe

WASHINGTON — The National Academy of Sciences will review the lab work the FBI did to conclude that Army scientist Bruce Ivins was responsible for the anthrax mailings that killed five people in 2001.

The Washington-based academy said Friday the FBI will pay it nearly $900,000 for an independent, 15-month review of the genetic and chemical studies investigators used to link Ivins to the attacks.

Some of Ivins’ colleagues have expressed doubt about the FBI’s conclusions.

The committee will not assess the bureau’s detective work or its conclusion that Ivins acted alone.

Ivins worked at Fort Detrick in Frederick. He killed himself in July as investigators were preparing to charge him.

The scientific review was first reported by The New York Times.