The explosive device sent to the New York offices of CNN on Wednesday. (Photo: CNN)

US bomb campaign: What we know so far

The Hatch Newsroom Team
World

The US is reeling after explosive devices were sent to a range of high-profile political leaders. Jesse Robertson, Daniel Failla, Lachlan Guertin and Michael Thompson follow the breaking news:

  • Former Vice President Joe Biden and actor Robert De Niro were targeted by suspicious packages, bringing the total number of bomb interceptions to 10
  • Packages mailed to De Niro’s Tribeca complex in New York City and Mr Biden’s residence in Delaware once again featured a return address of Florida Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
  •  The latest targets continue the trend of targeting public figures who have been vocal in their condemnation of President Trump.

  • The crisis unfolded on Wednesday, US time, when packages containing explosive devices were sent to both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
  • This came a day after a bomb was discovered in the mailbox of billionaire and Democratic Party supporter George Soros.
  • Explosive devices were also sent to Eric Holder, the attorney general under Obama, and to the New York offices of CNN addressed to John Brennan, Obama’s CIA director.
  • CNN’s New York offices were evacuated in the middle of a live broadcast after the package containing a “live” explosive device and “white powder” was sent to their mailroom.

    • California Democratic Representative Maxine Waters responded to her scare: “We have to keep to doing what we’re doing in order to make this country right.”
    • According to the FBI, the packages were all similar, containing small but potentially lethal pipe bombs.

    • So far no suspects have been identified, but the packages have been sent to the FBI laboratory in Virginia for analysis.
    • President Trump called for unity, saying “this egregious conduct is abhorrent to everything we hold dear”.

  • White House press secretary Sarah Sanders condemned the attacks, promising that “anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law”.
  • Hillary Clinton thanked the Secret Service for their quick response to the package sent to her house, saying it was “a troubling time”.