Suspicious Packages, Some Containing Explosives, Sent To Prominent Democrats, CNN
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An investigation is underway into several suspicious packages sent to prominent Democrats and to CNN.
From New York to Florida and across the country in California, law enforcement agencies swarmed homes and buildings where suspicious packages -- possibly carrying an explosive device -- were sent to former and current high government officials.
The devices were sent in manila envelopes, each with six American flag stamps, and the return address of former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
The first was discovered on Monday night at the home of George Soros in upstate New York.
Then others intercepted at the home of Bill and Hillary Clinton in New York, as well as the Obama home in Washington D.C.
CNN offices in New York were evacuated after a package was found in the mailroom.
Also found were parcels sent to Democratic Representatives Maxine Waters in Washington D.C. and Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida.
One of the suspicious packages was addressed to Hillary Clinton's residence in Chappaqua, New York, and was found late Tuesday. Clinton was in Florida at the time, campaigning for Democrats. But former President Bill Clinton was home.
"We are fine thanks to the men and women of the Secret Service who intercepted the package addressed to us long before it made its way to our home," said Hilary Clinton during a press conference in Florida.
Another package was addressed to former President Barack Obama at his Washington D.C. residence, and was found early Wednesday morning.
"It appears that an individual or individuals sent out multiple similar packages," said John Miller, New York Police's deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism.
Wednesday afternoon, photos were released of the bomb that was sent to former CIA director and CNN contributor John Brennan. It also included an envelope containing white powder. The package arrived at Time Warner Center in New York, forcing the evacuation of CNN.
"We are outside safely. All of our colleagues that we know of are outside right now," said CNN anchor Poppy Harlow.
The device contained pipes, wires, and black powder.
CBS News Senior National Security analyst Fran Townshend says the packages are unique.
"What we're hearing from law enforcement sources is this is an individual, he didn't go on the internet and just pull down a standard Al Qaeda recipe which we've seen before, so he's left his own signature," Townshend said.
Sources also told CBS News the device was designed to be light weight, made of PVC piping with glass used as shrapnel.
Investigators at FBI headquarters will deconstruct them, hoping to figure out where and when the parts were purchased.
At a rally in Wisconsin Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump said whoever is responsible for the packages will be brought to justice quickly.
"Any acts or threats of political violence are an attack on our democracy itself," Trump said.
Anyone with information that can help the FBI with this investigation is asked to call 1-800-CALLFBI, or go to their website.
