What Happened?
Authorities discovered suspicious packages on Wednesday, Oct. 24, with explosive devices that were addressed to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Robert De Niro, Joe Biden, CNN offices and other well-known critics of President Donald Trump.
None of the bombs detonated, but New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that the devices were functional explosives, the New York Times reported.
The Latest
A Florida man was arrested on Friday, Oct. 26, and formally charged on Monday after officials traced DNA found on some of the packages, Fox News reported.
Cesar Sayoc, 56, faces five federal charges and up to 48 years in prison, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a press conference Friday.
Another suspicious package addressed to CNN was intercepted in Atlanta also on Monday — the home to the media organization’s world headquarters, according to CNN.
“[The package] was intercepted at an Atlanta post office,” CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker said. “There is no imminent danger to the CNN Center.”
Authorities believe the newest package is also from Sayoc, bringing the number of known packages to 15.
“Let this be a lesson to anyone regardless of their political beliefs that we will bring the full force of law against anyone who attempts to use threats, intimidation and outright violence to further an agenda,” Sessions said. “We will find you. We will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court records show that Sayoc has a history of arrests for theft, illegal steroids possession and a charge of making a bomb threat, according to Fox News. Sayoc’s social media accounts show that he has attended many Trump rallies and his vehicle displayed many political stickers in support of Trump, Fox News reported.
Trump called the packages and events “despicable,” NBC News reported.
“We must never allow political violence to take root in America,” Trump said. “We cannot let it happen. I am committed to do everything in my power as president to stop it and stop it now.”
