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Today in History: Anthrax spores mailed to U.S. media outlets

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On September 18, 2001, just a week after the September 11 attacks, five letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several U.S. media offices and senators, resulting in five deaths and seventeen infections. This marked the beginning of the 2001 anthrax attacks, leading to one of the largest investigations in law enforcement history.

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Story summary

On September 18, 2001, just a week after the September 11 attacks, five letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to several U.S. media offices and senators, resulting in five deaths and seventeen infections. This marked the beginning of the 2001 anthrax attacks, leading to one of the largest investigations in law enforcement history.