Suspicious Package For New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker Recovered In Florida As Arrest Made In Connection To Mail Bombs

Follow CBSPHILLY Facebook  | Twitter

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) -- A suspect is in custody after a suspicious package addressed to New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker's Camden office was recovered in Florida. Cesar Sayoc, 56, was taken into custody in Plantation, Florida in connection to the series of bombs.

Sayoc has a criminal history and reportedly has ties to New York. He was taken into custody near an auto parts store. Investigators also towed away a white van near the scene that was covered in pro-President Donald Trump stickers, along with anti-Democrat and anti-media decals.

The mail bomb addressed to Booker's office in Camden prompted a security response at One Port Center.

Even though the suspicious package was intercepted in Florida, local police, working with federal agents, did a safety sweep.

The FBI confirmed that the 11th package in the national mail terror pot was addressed to Booker's Camden office. A 12th package was addressed to James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence. CBS Sacramento reports a 13th package was to Sen. Kamala Harris' office in California.

Booker's office is on the fifth floor as most of the building is used by the Delaware River Port Authority. Employees did not have to evacuate while local and federal agents swept the building.

Nothing was found and police left around 10:30 a.m.

Delaware River Port Authority CEO John Hanson was out of the office but rushed in to support his staff and answer any questions for police.

"They just told me the building is good, there is no threat," said Hanson. "They were here in an abundance of caution.

The FBI confirmed that the suspicious package addressed to Booker was similar in nature to the ones sent this week to high-profile Democrats and critics of Trump.

"We received information late last night that a package containing a bomb had been intercepted in Florida, it was destined for the senator's office here in Camden," said Camden County Police Chief Scott Thomson. "Us, working with the FBI and ATF, we initiated safety protocols, we came down here and swept the building. There's no danger to any of the residents in the city or any of the people in this building."

Booker said on Twitter said these acts "will only strengthen our resolve to stand against fear and hatred."

"Grateful for law enforcement's work to bring those responsible to justice & for their vigilance to keep Americans safe. Cowardly acts of terror will never silence or intimidate Americans—they will only strengthen our resolve to stand against fear & hatred," Booker tweeted.

Two of the suspected mail bombs were intercepted Thursday at facilities in Delaware that were addressed to former Vice President Joe Biden.

The targets of packages containing pipe bombs have been prominent critics of rump.

Other packages have been intended for people including former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, philanthropist George Soros, and Rep. Maxine Waters.

(© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

In:
• Suspicious Package
• Cory Booker