Anthrax Probe Scientist to Speak
Aug. 10 -- A former Fort Detrick scientist that the FBI has labeled a "person of interest" in last year's fatal anthrax attacks is expected to respond to the ongoing investigation for the first time Sunday.
Steven Hatfill is one of a group of scientists FBI officials have been investigating for months in the probe of the anthrax letter attacks that left five people dead and at least 13 others ill last fall. Investigators searched Hatfill's home earlier this month and in June.
He has been described by authorities as a "person of interest," not a suspect, and until now has declined to speak out.
"He is going to review the history of his dealings with the authorities relative to the ongoing anthrax investigation and explain the nature of his cooperation," attorney Victor M. Glasberg told The Associated Press Friday.
"He is going to deliver a statement that is very powerful and personal," Pat Clawson, a spokesman for Hatfill and Glasberg told ABCNEWS.com.
Clawson described Hatfill as a private person who was not used to dealing with the media, and said the statement would be the only time he addresses the press. He said that Hatfill's statement would put the reports that have surfaced about the scientist in "another very different light."
Law enforcement officials told ABCNEWS that the latest search of Hatfill's property, conducted Aug. 1, followed newly uncovered information. FBI agents also searched a rental storage shed in Ocala, Fla., that had been rented by Hatfill, as well as at least one other location. The shed had also been previously searched by officials investigating the anthrax attacks.
Hatfill has denied that he had anything at all to do with the anthrax attacks and consented to the June search in an effort to clear his name. He said he understood his background and controversial comments made him a logical subject of the investigation. Following the first search, agents said they found nothing immediately incriminating in Hatfill's apartment and storage shed.
