Home-grown terrorismSuspect detained in mail-bomb investigation
Federal authorities have detained a person in connection with a series of 12 mailed suspicious packages. The suspect was identified as Cesar Sayoc, 56, a resident of Plantation, Florida. He has a criminal record. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said Friday an 11th suspicious package addressed to Democratic Senator Cory Booker, and that a 12th suspicious package targeting former National Intelligence Director James Clapper.
Federal authorities have detained a person in connection with a series of 12 mailed suspicious packages, a Justice Department official said Friday. Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said authorities are planning to announce more information at a news conference later Friday.
News media, quoting law enforcement sources, said the man was arrested in Plantation, Fla., which is near Miami. Local television stations broadcast footage of police examining a white van with political stickers covering its windows. The vehicle was covered with a tarp and hauled away on a truck.
President Trump, speaking before an event at the White House, said the suspect will be prosecuted to “fullest extent of the law,” and urged Americans to demonstrate unity.
“We must never allow political violence to take root in America,” Trump said.
More packages found Friday
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said Friday an 11th suspicious package addressed to Democratic Senator Cory Booker was found.
The FBI said the package, which was intercepted in Florida, was similar to the crude pipe bombs that were addressed in recent days to former president Barack Obama, other high-profile Democrats and critics of U.S. President Donald Trump.
CNN and other media outlets reported a 12th suspicious package targeting former National Intelligence Director James Clapper also was found Friday.
Clapper said on CNN Friday morning he was not surprised he was targeted and said the incidents were “serious.”
Shortly before the person was detained Friday Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday law enforcers are “working tirelessly” to resolve the issue and vowed to “find the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.”
Federal investigators searched a massive mail sorting facility in Florida late Thursday, after determining that at least one of the pipe bombs was processed there.
The package targeting Clapper was addressed to him in care of CNN. It was discovered at a postal facility in New York City.
The New York Police Department said they were responding Friday morning to an intersection about six blocks from where CNN is located.
