Scarborough links explosive devices, Khashoggi’s death to ‘unrelenting hatred’ churned up by Trump

MSNBC host Joe Scarborough linked President Trump’s rhetoric and policies to the death of dissident Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi and to explosive devices mailed this week to former President Obama and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

“The unrelenting hatred churned up by Donald Trump for the two years following 2016 is dangerous,” tweeted Scarborough, a frequent and vocal critic of the administration, on Wednesday. “A Washington Post columnist is dead and progressive icons are targets of bombs.”

He also replied to a tweet from Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump in which she condemned the attacks, asking if she would decry her father too.

Do you strongly condemn your father using the presidential bully pulpit and years of campaign rallies to constantly stir up hatred against CNN, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama? https://t.co/9D8pov74YX

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) October 24, 2018

The Secret Service reported Wednesday that it had intercepted two “potential explosive devices” that were on their way to the homes of Clinton and Obama.

{mosads}A third package, which authorities say bears similarities to the first two, was found at CNN’s offices in New York Wednesday. It was reportedly addressed to former CIA director John Brennan, who has repeatedly clashed with the president and had his security clearance revoked earlier this year.

The president echoed Vice President Pence’s condemnation of the attempted attack.

I agree wholeheartedly! https://t.co/ndzu0A30vU

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 24, 2018

The White House also issued a statement condemning the packages, calling them “despicable” and promising that “anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Khashoggi disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 where Turkish authorities say he was tortured, murdered and dismembered by Saudi operatives.

The kingdom has dismissed Turkey’s narrative, first saying Khashoggi left the consulate the day he vanished, then later announcing that an investigation found he died in a brawl gone wrong. 

The White House announced that it is beginning to punish those it believes were involved in Khashoggi’s death Tuesday night, including revoking visas.

However, Trump has been reluctant to rupture diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, citing the massive weapons deals the country has made with the U.S.