Federal investigators want the public’s help identifying the person who mailed a handful of suspicious packages to prominent Democrats this week.
Authorities intercepted manila envelopes stuffed with bubble wrap and potential destructive devices — described as pipe bombs — addressed to former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, former President Barack Obama and former Attorney General Eric Holder in New York and Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, according to the FBI.
A fourth package turned up at CNN’s New York headquarters addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan and a fifth was discovered in the mailbox of George Soros, a controversial and prominent liberal donor, on Monday evening.
“This investigation is of the highest priority for the FBI,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We have committed the full strength of the FBI’s resources and, together with our partners on our Joint Terrorism Task Forces, we will continue to work to identify and arrest whoever is responsible for sending these packages.”
The packages all displayed a Florida return address with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s name printed across the left-hand side and six postage stamps. The envelope destined for Holder was “unsuccessfully delivered” and rerouted back to the Florida address, according to the FBI.
Example of packages containing explosives mailed to prominent Democrats and CNN this week. (Photo: FBI)
“We ask anyone who may have information to contact the FBI. Do not hesitate to call,” Wray said. “No piece of information is too small to help us in this investigation.”
New York Police Department officials told reporters Wednesday the envelope discovered in the CNN mail room contained an unidentified white powder. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo blasted the failed terrorist attack as “no doubt” the result of a tense political atmosphere rife with “hatred and division” contributing to “choices people make to turn to violence.”
“This is the world we live in. Terrorism, the attempt to spread fear, is the world we live in.” Cuomo said. “Terrorism only works if you let it work.”
“At a time when there is hate and division, it doesn’t make sense to exacerbate it,” de Blasio said. “Don’t encourage violence. Don’t encourage hatred. Don’t encourage attacks on media. You can disagree, but you have to show respect for people and air your disagreements peacefully.”
The White House released multiple statements Wednesday condemning the attacks. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke out just minutes after the reports circulated, saying “these terrorizing acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
President Donald Trump made a televised statement Wednesday afternoon, hours after facing criticism for retweeting a similar sentiment offered by Vice President Mike Pence. House Speaker Paul Ryan and his children, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., also commented on the attacks, saying “America is better than this.”
“The full weight of our government is being deployed to conduct this investigation and bring those responsible for these despicable acts to justice,” he. “This egregious conduct is abhorrent to everything we hold dear and sacred as Americans. In these times we have to unify. We have to come together.”
The safety of the American People is my highest priority. I have just concluded a briefing with the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service… pic.twitter.com/nEUBcq4NOh
The FBI asks anyone with tips please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. For any suspicious activity that requires an immediate response, please call 911 or contact local law enforcement.
When I heard about the Walther PDP-F, I was immediately intrigued. A compact pistol designed for small hands? Sign me up. Here are my thoughts after owning the PDP-F for one year.
Walther's PPQ 22 M2 pistol chambered for .22 LR offers fantastic ergonomics in an affordable package that's great for plinking, target shooting, and training.
Backed by the quality reputation that comes with Swiss manufacturing, the B&T GHM45 pistol-caliber sub gun is the perfect candidate for your next suppressed pistol.
Texas-based Bond Arms builds some of the finest derringers in the world, so we knew it would be a treat to shoot this single-shot, break-action Cyclops chambered in the walloping .45-70 Government.