OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - 24 years ago today, the United States was in the middle of what would become the worst biological attacks in U.S. history.

Five Americans were killed and 17 sickened soon after 9/11 when letters laced with anthrax began appearing in the U.S. mail.

Omaha’s main post office on Nov. 8, 2001 had crews testing for anthrax wearing full body protective suits while employees walked around in their everyday clothes.

The anthrax letters were sent to Senate Democratic leaders and news organizations.

In August 2008, federal authorities announced a breakthrough in the case. They were about to bring charges against a former government scientist when he died of an overdose.

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