FBI Returns to Md. Home in Anthrax Probe

Officials obtained a federal warrant authorizing the search of the apartment of Dr. Steven J. Hatfill, who worked as a bioweapon specialist at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Ft. Detrick, Md., from 1997 to 1999. Hatfill's modest apartment is in Frederick, Md., just outside the sprawling Army complex and about 45 miles from the capital.

Hatfill, who has publicly declared his innocence, gave his consent to an initial search of his apartment in June.

But on Thursday, FBI agents returned after a judge approved their request to again search the premises.

FBI and Justice Department officials would not comment Thursday on why they wanted to return or what they found after spending several hours combing through the apartment and a nearby dumpster.

Authorities also declined to say whether Hatfill, 48, has become a suspect or is merely one of several dozen people who fit some general profile of a person who the FBI believes sent the deadly bacteria-laden letters. They stressed that he had not been taken into custody or even interviewed as agents searched his apartment.

"I think we are not going to characterize this guy in any way, shape or form," said a senior FBI official Thursday evening, adding that the bureau was actively investigating several dozen people without classifying any of them as formal suspects. Many of them are scientists who work at Ft. Detrick and other government laboratories and universities where anthrax is studied, authorities said.

"We're looking at a lot of different people. Someone could safely characterize any of those people as suspects, but I'm not sure we have anyone that we would hang that label [of prime suspect] on," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "We are doing a lot of investigating all over the place."

Another FBI official, however, said the bureau has, within the last several days, become far more suspicious of Hatfill.

The investigation into the scientist "began as due diligence, but in pursuing all possibilities, it has now become more than that. There is a greater sense of urgency and anticipation."