Documents explain early FBI interest in Hatfill as anthrax suspect

Richard Winter, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:48:36 GMT

Someone would have to posess a higher-than-average intelligence to be accepted, and go on to productively work for, a government agency engaged in such advanced biochemistry. As such, Mr. Hatfill would surely have had the insight to predict how his words and actions would bring intense scrutiny to bear upon him. To the average Joe such as myself, his boasting would be considered outlandish. But given the circles his career would have forced him to travel in, that same boasting would have raised obvious alarms. At best, he would be deemed by his peers of being unstable and incapable of discretionary judgment. At worst, someone far more sinister.
Not to deny the government's transgressions when it comes to improper investigating techniques; still, one cannot fault the government for what could only be a natural gravitation to suspecting Mr. Hatfill based on his words and deeds. I certainly would have left no stone unturned; especially while knowing that all of America was fearful, and more lives were at stake,

Documents explain early FBI interest in Hatfill as anthrax suspect

EAK STL MO — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:25:16 GMT

The similarities are enough in my mind to be given a search warrant. Typically where there is smoke there is fire. It would be different if the guy din't know Anthrax from Borax but A merc in Rhodesia, that's quite boastful and a little weird. Why purchase Cipro if your not going to take it? I know if I purchase anti-biotics I need to take them for some ailment. Something is rotten in Denmark.

Documents explain early FBI interest in Hatfill as anthrax suspect

J.P., Vancouver, WA — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:09:43 GMT

The information the FBI used in this case would seem to make up a reasonable suspicion that Hatfill could be involved in the attacks. I don't know what the burden of evidence is when requesting a search warrant to investigate a person of interest in such a case. I notice there is no direct evidence, only circumstantial, suggesting Hatfill might be involved, but obviously the judge who issued the warrant found the information compelling enough.

I wonder about the lawsuit and settlement. If it was reasonable to investigate Hatfill based on the information given, why the settlement? Unless the FBI and judge both were overzealous in obtaining and approving the warrant. Law enforcement needs to be able to investigate leads, so I hope the settlement was not made simply to keep things quiet, and save the time, money, and publicity of a court case.

I feel for Mr. Hatfill, and any other person wrongly accused of a crime. I just hope our legal system is not hobbled by excessive restrictions. (I'm all for vigorous protection of citizen's rights under the constitution and all applicable laws.)

Documents explain early FBI interest in Hatfill as anthrax suspect

Michael, Columbus, OH — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:04:05 GMT

While it is good to see the government opening up these records, the information within them is not new. These issues were all aired in the media a number of years ago. The government should be less concerned about making points in the media than in developing a strong case for the courts to decide. Too often in this administration (and others) we have seen senior law enforcement officials attempting to try a case in the media on the flimsiest of data in order to score a short-term victory rather than developing the solid evidence necessary to achieve a rightful conviction. In addition to Mr. Hatfill's situation, the case of Richard Jewell comes to mind.