Recent News

By Region: North America

Georgetown student alleged to have ricin may have been a ‘threat to someone’

(The Washington Post) Prosecutors said Tuesday there is evidence that a Georgetown University student charged last week with possessing the biological toxin ricin may have wanted to poison someone with the powdery substance he learned about from the television show “Breaking Bad.” Daniel Harry Milzman, 19, was arrested last week after investigators discovered a potentially Read More »

March 25, 2014
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, and Bioterrorism
Share

Hatboro man charged in attempted ricin murder

(The Intelligencer) A deadly scratch-and-sniff birthday card was in the hand of a Warminster girl when her mother told her to stop and put it back in the mailbox. Police were on the phone with the mother March 7 warning her that a Hatboro man had left a ricin-laced card there. Within minutes, investigators went Read More »

March 20, 2014
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, and Biocrimes
Share

Could Our Food Supply Be A Target For Terrorists?

(NPR) It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster: Villains bent on chaos set their sights on a food company — an easy target — with plans to lace its products with a chemical or pathogen. The hero finds out in time to save the day. Sound far-fetched? Not according to U.S. regulators who Read More »

March 19, 2014
| Filed under North America, Agriculture, and Bioterrorism
Share

Ricin Possibly Found in McCarthy Hall

(The Hoya) A report of a potentially hazardous substance prompted D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services to conduct a test for biological agents in McCarthy Hall early Tuesday morning, leading to the discovery of possible ricin. While the tests proved negative, according to a campus-wide email from Georgetown University Chief of Police Jay Gruber, law Read More »

March 18, 2014
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, and Biosafety
Share

FDA Moves To Head Off Food Terrorism

(Here & Now) In the wake of September 11th, the U.S. government spent years and billions of dollars fortifying various industries against possible terrorist attacks. Now, the Food and Drug Administration is tackling the issue. The agency is currently crafting rules with the intent to strengthen vulnerable sections of the food system.