Weekend Listen: The deadliest attack you’ve forgotten. The investigation you never heard.

This episode explores the largely forgotten anthrax attacks that occurred in the weeks following 9/11, focusing on the investigation and its aftermath. Against the backdrop of the national trauma of 9/11 and heightened fears of a secondary attack, the discovery of anthrax-infected mail in Florida triggered a massive FBI investigation. More significantly, the investigation revealed a complex web of scientific clues, investigative missteps, and the human cost of the attacks, including lives lost and reputations damaged. For instance, the episode details the initial skepticism surrounding the Florida case and the subsequent race to identify the anthrax strain and its origin. The investigation's twists and turns, including the pursuit of false leads and the eventual identification of the perpetrator, are highlighted. Ultimately, the episode underscores the lasting impact of the anthrax attacks, raising questions about the effectiveness of the investigation and the lingering consequences for those involved. What this means for future bioterrorism preparedness and the importance of thorough investigation is a key takeaway.