August 6, 2008 Documents: Scientist warned al-Qaida had anthrax Play video

(NECN) - Seven years after the deadly anthrax mailings, the FBI is preparing to close the case. This, one week after the suicide of a government scientist who was the top suspect. The bureau today released hundreds of pages of evidence.

Court documents indicate the FBI searched the home, cars and safety deposit box of Army microbiologist Bruce Ivins.

Five people died, and several others were hospitalized when anthrax was sent through the mail in 2001, just weeks after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Click here to watch today's news conference from the Justice Department.

Authorities say that days before the 2001 anthrax attacks, Army scientist Bruce Ivins wrote an e-mail warning that Osama bin Laden had anthrax and had declared war on the United States and Israel.

NECN's RD Sahl has been following the developments.