Former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and CNN are apparently on someone’s hit list. All three were targeted today with “suspicious” packages which were subsequently determined to be pipe bombs. Another explosive was allegedly found near leftist billionaire George Soros’ home two days ago. There were also reports that the White House was targeted, but the Secret Service has refuted this claim.
The Secret Service intercepted the package sent to Obama in Washington D.C. Obama currently resides in the Kalorama neighborhood in the District. The package sent to the Clinton’s was addressed to their Chappaqua, New York home. Officials claim that it was a functional explosive.
NYPD officers in bomb suits were seen outside of the Time Warner building and a containment truck was also on scene, fueling further speculation that authorities suspect bombs were involved. CNN has since evacuated its downtown New York offices, disrupting some programming.
The package sent to CNN was apparently addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, who served under President Obama. Brennan has been an outspoken critic of President Trump, resulting in the president revoking his national security clearance. Brennan is a frequent contributor on CNN.
Rumors suggest that the packages sent to Obama, Clinton, and CNN all bear certain resemblance, fueling speculation that they are part of a targeted campaign. Apparently, an employee actually opened the package sent to Soros then, after growing suspicious, ditched it in a wooded area. It has since been confirmed as a pipe bomb.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office was also evacuated after a suspicious package was found. It’s unclear if the package resembles the packages found elsewhere. The San Diego Union-Tribune office and Sen. Kamala Harris’s office have also been evacuated. Regarding these evacuations, it’s unclear if bombs have been found or if authorities are taking extra precaution.
CNN is tightening security at its Atlanta headquarters and the NYPD has stepped up patrols at other news entity offices. So far, the suspicious packages have targeted Democrats and critics of President Trump. The president is said to be closely monitoring the situation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has condemned the threats, and Ivanka Trump tweeted:
I strongly condemn the attempted acts of violence against President Obama, the Clinton family, @CNN & others. There is no excuse—America is better than this.
Gratitude to the @SecretService and law enforcement for all they do to keep this nation safe.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 24, 2018
Melania Trump has likewise condemned “all forms of violence” and has praised law enforcement for their heroism. Eric Trump also spoke out, echoing Evanka’s statement that “America is better than this.”
President Trump is reportedly preparing a statement to be delivered after he receives more updates on the evolving situation. Trump tweeted support for Vice President Pence, however, who quickly condemned the attempted attacks.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also spoke out, labeling the incident “clearly an act of terror.”
The Secret Service claims that neither former President Obama nor Hillary Clinton were ever in any danger. Both bombs were intercepted before they reached their residences. Along with an envelope containing a white powdery substance, the explosive package sent to CNN appears to have made it inside the building but has since been safely removed by the NYPD Bomb Squad.
