Behind the Bastards How The FBI Botched the 2001 Anthrax Scare (Part 1)
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Oct 2, 2025 Dive into the tumultuous life of Steven Hatfill, an innocent man caught in the aftermath of the 2001 anthrax scare. Explore his journey from Rhodesian military volunteer to a biological weapons expert. Discover the controversies surrounding his resume and claims of military service. Unravel the mystery of how he became a suspect linked to a major terrorist attack, all while examining the broader implications of his work in biodefense. This is a gripping tale of exaggeration, ambition, and the quest for truth amidst chaos.
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Wrongly Branded Suspect
- Steven Hatfill became the central suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks despite not being guilty.
- Robert Evans frames Hatfill as a flawed, fascinating figure who was ultimately done dirty by the FBI and media.
From Suburb to Congo Volunteer
- Hatfill grew up in Missouri, struggled academically but pursued biology and wanted to be a Marine fighter pilot.
- Failing to become a pilot led him to drop out temporarily and travel to the Congo to volunteer at a mission hospital.
Rhodesia Years Cast Long Shadow
- Hatfill moved to Rhodesia in 1978 and studied medicine amid a brutal counterinsurgency war.
- Rhodesia's environment and CBW activities would later make Hatfill's past appear suspicious to investigators.
