FBI investigates Fort Detrick lab incident as fight leads to potential pathogen exposure

FREDERICK, Md. (TNND) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into an incident at a biosafety lab located on the Maryland Army Base, Fort Detrick.

During Senate testimony on Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that an incident involving two contractors led to the lab's shutdown.

According to Just the News, the incident involved a fight between the contractors, during which one contractor allegedly slashed a hole in the other's containment suit, potentially exposing them to a pathogen.

National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya said he decided to shut down the high-level lab shortly after his appointment in March. "It will not reopen until I am satisfied it is safe," Bhattacharya said.

Kennedy stated that he plans to visit Fort Detrick with Bhattacharya and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. "They will have an update then," he said.