List of incidents involving ricin

List of incidents involving ricin

Ricin is a highly potent toxin derived from the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis. It has been involved in various incidents, both accidental and intentional, due to its potential use as a biological weapon. Below is a list of notable incidents involving ricin.

1978: Assassination of Georgi Markov

In 1978, Georgi Markov, a Bulgarian dissident, was assassinated in London using a ricin-laced pellet. The pellet was injected into his leg using an umbrella modified to act as a weapon. This incident is one of the most famous cases of ricin being used as a poison.

2003: Ricin Letters in the United States

In 2003, letters containing ricin were sent to the White House and the offices of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. The letters were intercepted, and no one was harmed. The incident raised concerns about the use of ricin in bioterrorism.

2013: Ricin Letters to President Obama

In 2013, letters containing ricin were sent to President Barack Obama and a U.S. Senator. The letters were intercepted before reaching their intended targets. A suspect, James Everett Dutschke, was later arrested and sentenced for the crime.

2018: Ricin Letters to the Pentagon

In 2018, letters suspected to contain ricin were sent to the Pentagon. The letters were addressed to the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Naval Operations. The letters were intercepted, and no injuries were reported. A former U.S. Navy sailor was arrested in connection with the incident.

2020: Ricin Letter to President Trump

In 2020, a letter containing ricin was sent to President Donald Trump. The letter was intercepted by law enforcement before reaching the White House. A suspect, a Canadian woman, was arrested and charged with the crime.

Related Pages

• Ricin
• Biological weapon
• Assassination of Georgi Markov
• Bioterrorism
• Ricinus communis