An FBI report on Ted Kaczynski's Prison Correspondences

Precedence: ROUTINE

Date: 12/26/2001

To: Albany
San Francisco
Tampa

From: Denver
Squad 12 / Colorado Springs RA
Contact: SA J. Andrew Stearns 719-329-6546

Approved By: Leyman Daniel T

Drafted By: Stearns J Andrew:jas

Case ID #: 149A-SF-106204 (Closed)

Title: UNABOM
KACZYNSKI, THEODORE JOHN

Synopsis: Information being sent for each field office to utilize as deemed appropriate.

Enclosures: Enclosed for all receiving offices is a copy of a Special Investigative Service report from the United States Penitentiary-Administrative Maximum in Florence, Colorado, pertaining to Theodore Kaczynski.

Details: On December 4, 2001, Special Investigative Service staff at the United States Penitentiary-Administrative Maximum in Florence, Colorado, intercepted two letters composed by Theodore Kaczynski. The letters, addressed to individuals in Dunedin, Florida, and Lake Placid, New York, detail Kaczynski's intent to form “a new movement in opposition to the techno-industrial system.”

On December 4, 2001, Kaczynski sends correspondence to two individuals. Kaczynski has corresponded in the past with them and they hold similar views to his own. What is significant about these letters is that it appears that Kaczynski appears to be at the beginning stages of putting together an organization that is in line with his viewpoint. Kaczynski is very careful to advise against illegal activity in both letters, but he also clearly expresses an interest in these individuals perhaps becoming the nucleus of this new organization.

In the first letter to David Powell, 2013 Yale Avenue, Dunedin, FL 34698, Kaczynski states:

Of course, you're quite right. The majority of young people are imitative. That's why we have to provide them with a different model to imitate, a different herd to go along with, rather than leaving the field to the leftists. No doubt, starting a movement would be difficult, but if you're not willing to attempt what is difficult, then you might as well forget about doing anything against the system. I would appreciate it if you would answer the questions...how you feel about my sharing your name and your letters with a few other people. I do know a handful of people who just conceivably might form the nucleus of an effective anti-technological group, but that can't happen if they don't communicate with one another.

In a second letter to Schlimmer, PO Box 841 Lake Placid, NY 12946, Kaczynski states:

I've been trying to find people who might possibly form the nucleus of a new movement that would concentrate on technology, leaving gay rights and poverty to the pink reformers. Such people are not easy to find. So far I have maybe four of them. (I'm sure of only two. The other two are doubtful.) I'm thinking that you might make a fifth. (I'm sure of only two. The other two are doubtful.) I'm thinking that you might make a fifth. You have the right values, you seem level-headed, and I haven't seen any indication that you're obsessed with victimization issues the way leftists are. That's why I wanted to know whether you were oriented toward practical action. If you are, you might be interested in getting involved in an effort to begin a new movement. I would like to hear your thoughts about this. Again, I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the idea of forming a new movement in opposition to the techno-industrial system.

In the opinion of SIS staff, Kaczynski for the most part stands alone among the eco-terrorist subculture. He has contempt for most of his "fans" because they are either leftist, preoccupied with other causes that Kaczynski has little interest in, or (in Kaczynksi’s opinion) they are unbalanced phonies. It appears after all this time, Kaczynski has managed to pick a handful he feels he shares common views with. He also seems to have realized that his appeals process has scant chance of success. That being the case, he has probably decided to become a bit more involved in the anti-technology movement, but only on his terms and with a select few. In the opinion of SIS staff, Kaczynski would probably continue to strongly discourage illegal activity if for no other reason than he knows how closely he is monitored. However, it remains to be seen whether his followers will comply with his wishes.

Name THEODORE JOHN KACZYNSKI
Reg. No: 04475-046
U.S PENITENTIARY MAX
P.O. Box 8500
Florence, CO 81226-8500

SCHLlMMER
P.O. BOX 841
LAKE PLACID NY 12946

Name THEODORE JOHN KACZYNSKI
Reg. No: 04475-046
U.S PENITENTIARY MAX
P.O. Box 8500
Florence, CO 81226-8500

David POWELL
2013 VALE AVENUE
DUNEDIN FL 34698