Seattle Gay Bars Receive Poison Threats

Eleven gay bars in Seattle have received letters which threaten ricin attacks, in what is being described as a hate crime. The Seattle Police Department released a statement saying it takes the threat seriously. The police have seized the letters as evidence and are processing them. The Seattle police is also coordinating efforts with the FBI and other federal agencies.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans. The substance can be deadly if purified and then ingested or inhaled.

Below is a copy of the letter the establishments received.