11 Seattle Gay Bars Threatened With Ricin Poisoning Via Letter
January 7, 2009 by Bryan
Eleven gay bars in Seattle received letters today addressed to the “Owner/Manager” from someone claiming to be in the possession of ricin, a deadly poison. “Your establishment has been targeted,” the letter begins. “I have in my possession approximately 67 grams of ricin with which I will indiscriminately target at least five of your clients.”
A copy of the letter is below the fold.
According to the CDC’s website, someone who has ingested “a significant amount” will develop vomiting and diarrhea within the first 6-12 hours; other symptoms of ricin poisoning include hallucinations, seizures, and blood in the urine. There is no antidote for ricin but ricin exposure is not invariably fatal.
A letter also arrived in The Stranger’s offices, addressed to the attention of “Obituaries.” The letter’s author said the paper should “be prepared to announce the deaths of approximately 55 individuals all of whom were patrons of the following establishments on a Saturday in January.” The listed bars are: the Elite, Neighbours, Wild Rose, the Cuff, Purr, the Eagle, R Place, Re-bar, CC’s, Madison Pub, and the Crescent. “I could take this moment to launch into a diatribe about my indignation towards the gay community,” the letter concludes, “however, I think the deaths will speak for themselves.”
via The Slog
As a Portland resident who loves to visit Seattle, I’ve been to a number of the bars mentioned. It’s honestly pretty scary to think about this. The best way to protect yourself is to simply keep your drink on you all the time. Sort of like what they tell you at the airport, don’t let your luggage out of your possession!
That’s insane. What a coward.
This is a bunch of BS. I’m a regular at Neighbours and would hate to see my friends get killed. I read into ricin more and it can be become an airborn gas! Sounds like they might shut the place down until more info is found.
If anyone knows any demostrations or protests for this PLEASE e-mail me. Lady_b_luck@yahoo.com
Thanks
B
My dear fellow gays,
When the economy worsens, crime increases – National Statistics prove this dynamic.
Unfortunately, we’re now living in a crisis mode across all geographies and mind-sets.
There always have been and much to my chagrin, there will always be those particular “bad apples” amongst us. As an out and proud gay man, I oftentimes encounter the unabashed grossness of the “bad apple” mentality.
Whether it be a religious based bias, an ignorance simply perpetrated by right wing extremists, or that fucking crazy narrow minded bitch, Ann Coulter; I continue to attempt to educate the ignorant and fearful types.
Fears are to be overcome!
Human nature is to fear the unknown and it’s my belief that more people should work on their own personal fears, as opposed to blaming others for their paranoia of what they choose to remain uneducated and uninformed about.
We are each individually responsible for our own personal safety, which is what my company promotes; Tips and information on how to protect yourself, loved ones, our homes and businesses.
We provide self defense devices, hidden cameras, personal alarms, spy and surveillance equipment, pepper sprays, tasers, stun guns, and other concealable and clever products to protect ourselves or catch the criminal offenders by proof of video with hidden cameras.
I’ve been done with fear for quite some time. Now, if I happen to encounter a violent perpetrator, I just taser the motherfu***r! It’s actually quite fulfilling and immensely empowering.
Why risk the drama of killing someone when you can just as easily disable them or really really really hurt them without being lethal, thus skirting the involvement of law enforcement.
Not quite a vigilante here, but I do take extreme pleasure it causing the ignorant and abusively violent types the physical pain they deserve if they dare attempt to invade my space uninvited.
Get responsible, Become empowered!