Democratic Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto is introducing legislation aimed at tightening federal oversight of potentially dangerous pathogens after authorities discovered a suspected biolab in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Metro Police and the FBI searched two east valley homes on January 31, finding what was described as a “possible biological laboratory” in one garage. Investigators recovered refrigerators containing vials of unknown liquids, along with chemicals commonly used in COVID and pregnancy tests.
FBI testing revealed that the materials contained vaccine compounds targeting Influenza A and B. Officials stated it had gone undetected for years, despite a 2023 raid of a similar facility in Reedley, California, linked to the Las Vegas location. The California lab reportedly held pathogen-labeled containers marked for HIV, malaria, and dengue fever, along with 1,000 mice.
Authorities believe that the Las Vegas garage was storing materials connected to the Reedley lab. A property manager, 55-year-old Ori Solomon, is facing state and federal charges related to the improper disposal of hazardous waste and illegal gun possession.
Masto said the discoveries revealed gaps in the federal government’s ability to track who can legally possess dangerous pathogens. The Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act would require federal review of the sale and transfer of highly pathogenic agents, strengthen construction and operational standards, and create a centralized federal office for licensed laboratories.
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