The Secret Service has received and removed suspicious packages that are believed to contain potentially explosive devices that were addressed to former President Barack Obama and 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
CNN reports neither packages were received by the two figures and were discovered by “routine mail procedures as potential explosive devices and were appropriately handled as such.”
The package that was mailed for President Obama was intercepted in Washington D.C. Wednesday morning, while Clinton’s package made it to the area of her home in Chappaqua, New York.
Officials are investigating if the package was connected to one that was found at the home of a major donor to the Democratic party in George Soros.
More updates on this story as they are released.
Update: NYPD is clearing the block outside of CNN after another package is found.
BREAKING: CNN says its offices in New York have been evacuated because of a suspicious package.
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 24, 2018
Update #2:
A package was sent to the Time Warner mailroom and is being treated as an explosive device. The Time Warner Center was evacuated as the package was constructed with a pipe and wires. A live broadcast from CNN contains the alert to evacuate as it happened.
An additional pipe bomb was addressed to the White House and was intercepted. The device was stated to contain explosive projectiles and was similar to the bombs found at other places.
Time Warner Center – where CNN’s New York offices are located – was just evacuated. The alarm went off as @jimsciutto and @PoppyHarlowCNN were on air reporting the packages sent to the Clintons and Obamas. @ShimonPro reporting it was over “a suspicious package.” pic.twitter.com/EYBsytil0o
— ?andrew?kaczynski? (@KFILE) October 24, 2018
Update #3:
CNN now states despite earlier reports there was no White House package. However, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has issued a statement.
“We condemn the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures. These terrorizing acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and will take all appropriate actions to protect anyone threatened by these cowards.”
Additional devices have been sent to Congresswoman Maxine Waters that is similar to others found.
President Donald Trump originally spoke against the devices stating that he “wholeheartedly agree” to a statement issued by Vice President Pence. He would go on to speak against the items in full ahead of his rally in Wisconsin.
I agree wholeheartedly! https://t.co/ndzu0A30vU
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 24, 2018
“I just want to tell you that in these times we have to unify, we have to come together and send one very clear, strong, unmistakable message that acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America.” – President Trump.
This is a photograph of the suspicious package sent to the CNN building in New York City earlier this morning. Police say it appeared to be a live explosive device. https://t.co/aG9JsTfwhx pic.twitter.com/tcICHJErda
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 24, 2018
Thank you to the @SecretService and all law enforcement agencies who responded to this week's incidents. They work tirelessly to keep our country and communities safe. I am forever grateful for their efforts.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 24, 2018
