Ricin structure (Wikipedia)

Eleven LGBT bars in the Seattle area received letters this week from an individual who claims to be in possession of a biological weapon and plans to target at least 50 customers.

“Your establishment has been targeted,” the letters say. “I have in my possession approximately 67 grams of ricin with which I will indiscriminately target at least five of your clients.”

Ricin is a poison extracted from a common ornamental plant, the castor bean. Ingestion causes massive organ failure and a lethal is as small as a grain of salt. There is no antidote.

The Seattle Stranger also received a letter from the terrorist.

…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.”

The Seattle police and the FBI are investigating. Many of the bars are taking extra security precautions.