FBI offices in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City are extremely involved
in the multi-agency investigation resulting from the discovery of Ricin in a
Nevada hotel room.
Here is what we can say about the ongoing investigation:
-
On February 28, our Las Vegas Division was notified by local
police that an individual had been exposed to Ricin. This individual is
currently hospitalized.
-
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is the lead agency
in the Las Vegas aspects of the investigation; the FBI in Salt Lake City is
leading that aspect of the investigation. Numerous other law enforcement and
public safety agencies have responded in concert with the FBI.
-
At this early stage of the investigation, this incident does not
appear to be related to terrorism.
-
On Sunday morning, March 2, pursuant to court authorized search
warrants, our Salt Lake City office led the search of four locations linked to
the hospitalized individual, including a home in Riverton and three storage
units in West Jordan.
-
Based on what we know so far, there is no health threat to the
public in either Nevada or Utah.
About Ricin. Ricin is a highly toxic substance
that can be made from castor beans. According to the Centers for Disease
Control, small doses can be lethal. However, Ricin is not contagious and
accidental exposure is highly unlikely. See the Centers for Disease
Control website for more information.
