Some Find Relief, but Skepticism Remains

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Victims and Family React to FBI Anthrax Briefing

Even though the FBI brought anthrax victims and family members to Washington for a briefing Wednesday, not all of the family members and postal workers who were exposed to the deadly virus are satisfied with the explanation that Bruce E. Ivins acted alone.

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Maureen Stevens, the wife of Robert Stevens, a Florida photo editor killed in the attacks, told her attorney, Richard Schuler, that the new information was convincing.

"She indicated to me that the totality of the evidence that was presented appeared to be fairly persuasive," Schuler said.

However, that did not allay the Stevens family's concerns, he said. The family is seeking $50 million in a lawsuit against the U.S. government, which it holds responsible for Robert Stevens's death. Schuler said he is considering adding to the lawsuit the allegation that the government was negligent in employing Ivins at the Army's infectious-disease facility at Fort Detrick.

"If he was psychologically unstable, he shouldn't be in an area where he's controlling some of the most dangerous substances on earth, that's for sure," Schuler said.

Not all the victims or relatives made it to the briefing, which was hastily arranged after news about Ivins broke late last week. One survivor said he stayed away because he does not trust the government.

"It's mainly a public relations thing for the FBI," said David Hose, 65, of Winchester, Va.

Hose worked at a State Department mail facility when he contracted inhalation anthrax in 2001. He has filed a $12 million lawsuit against the government and said he continues to have serious medical problems.