FBI Says Roger Wicker, Obama Ricin Letters Related; What Is Ricin? Poison And Symptoms Explained
According to the FBI, letters laced with ricin poison sent to President Barack Obama and Sen. Roger Wicker are related. Both letters have preliminarily tested positive for ricin, a granular toxic chemical.
Thankfully, neither letter hurt Obama or Sentator Wicker (R-Miss.); they were intercepted at off-site mail facilities. At least one was identified in Prince George County, Maryland.
In a country already shaken by bombs at the Boston Marathon on Monday, many in Washington and around the nation are on edge. It is not clear whether or not the two incidents are related, but the FBI says there is no indication of a connection yet.
Both letters were postmarked out of Memphis, Tenn and have the same date, April 8th.
In an intelligence bulletin, the FBI said the letters both say: "To see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance." Both letters are signed, "I am KC and I approve this message."
Ricin, a potentially fatal poison, is a protein that is found in castor beans. It is concentrated during the making of castor oil, and extracted ricin is "especially deadly", according to the LA Times. It is deadly because it kills cells, getting absorbed individually and preventing the cells from forming necessary protein. If enough cells die, the body can go into organ failure and death can occur.
Initial symptoms of ricin poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration. If ricin is inhaled, the victim would have trouble breathing, coughing, nausea, and fluid buildup in the lungs. It can lead to death in 36-72 hours.
According to the Center for Disease Control, there is no known antidote to ricin poisoning. It can be made into a powder, mist, pellet, or dissolved in water - or even made into a powder thin enough to be inhaled when an envelope is opened. It's unlikely to be absorbed by skin and is not contagious. Effects differ depending upon the exposure level.
Security has been further tightened around the nation, particularly in Washington, as a result of the letters. The FBI is investigating the incident.
