The homegrown terrorist probably used the September 11 attacks as a window of opportunity to unleash long-held grudges against the Federal Government and the media. The snapshot was outlined by the head of the FBI's behaviour analysis unit, Jim Fitzgerald, after scrutiny of the three anthrax-laced letters and interviews with serial bombers in American jails.
Mr Fitzgerald said the anthrax mailer is most likely a man with a science background who had access to lab equipment.
"He prefers being by himself, more often than not," Mr Fitzgerald said.
The three anthrax letters were posted on different Tuesdays, suggesting to investigators the terrorist milled the anthrax during weekends.
Mr Fitzgerald said a "backyard model anthrax system" could be bought for no more than $5000.
The three letters sent to the New York Post, NBC newsreader Tom Brokaw and Senator Tom Daschle contained phrases such as "Death to America", "Death to Israel" and "Allah is Great".
The FBI believes the words were intentional to mask the terrorist's identity and instead throw suspicion on Osama bin Laden who has been blamed for the September 11 attacks.
Although investigators are unsure of the terrorist's motives, they are certain the targets were not picked at random.
"These people meant something to him," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"These victims may have been targets of previous expressions of contempt."
One of their main clues is the return address 4th Grade, Greendale School, Franklin Park, NJ – on one of the letters.
Although the school doesn't exist, there is a school with a similar name near Trenton, New Jersey, where the letter was posted.
FBI investigators believe the anthrax mailer may have had a connection with a Greendale school in the past.
It is unusual for the FBI to release its theories publicly during an investigation. But they are hoping someone may recognise the terrorist's characteristics.
This is how the FBI finally caught the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, who posted homemade bombs in the mail for 18 years.
After the Washington Post published his 35,000-word manifesto on the evils of technology, Kaczynski's brother recognised certain phrases.
The anthrax letters have killed four people and infected 17 others.
===== Kevin Dean Buffalo, NY ICQ: 8616001 http://www.yaysoft.com
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