Scientist Behind Miami Airport Evacuation also Charged for Smuggling in 2003

Scientist Behind Miami Airport Evacuation also charged for smuggling in 2003

The passenger, now identified as Dr. Thomas Butler, who prompted the evacuation of Miami International Airport when security personnel thought he was carrying a pipe bomb, was determined by federal officials to be the same man charged in 2003 for attempting to smuggle 30 vials containing the lethal bubonic plague.

Dr. Thomas Butler, an American citizen who teaches in Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean, was later released after questioning by police. The metal canister he was carrying tested negative for toxic or dangerous substances.

The airport was evacuated and shut down for hours on Thursday after the bomb scare.

The 70-year old Butler is a world-renowned infectious disease expert who has conducted research about potential cures for cholera and bubonic plague for 20 years at Texas Tech in Lubbock. The university fired him after he was proven guilty of smuggling bio-hazard materials, lying to officials, and embezzlement. He served two years of prison sentence.

Bubonic plague is an ancient and deadly disease which is feared by anti-terror experts to have the potential to be weaponized. A few antibiotics can cure the plague, and Butler was said to be researching for a new cure while working at Texas Tech.

FBI agent Michael Leverock described Butler as being “very cooperative” during questioning. The scientist was later allowed to board his flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico after questioning.

Butler holds the position of professor at Ross University in the Caribbean, and he was on teaching assignment in Saudi Arabia.

Posted by Sophia Andrews on Sunday September 05 2010, 8:18 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Travel. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0