Arrest made in connection with pipe bombs

Federal authorities have arrested a man in Florida in connection with the series of suspected explosive packages mailed to prominent Democrats this week.

At a Justice Department press conference, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced five federal charges against Cesar Sayoc Jr., a man is in his 50s with an Aventura, Fla., address. He reportedly has a criminal history and ties to New York. 

Sayoc faces up to 58 years in prison, according to Sessions, who called his alleged actions “unacceptable.”

{mosads}”Political violence or the threat of violence is antithetical to our vigorous system of self-government,” the attorney general said.

The suspect was arrested near Plantation, Fla., in the district represented by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), whose office was listed as a return address on several of the packages.

FBI agents were seen in media footage from near where the suspect was arrested covering up a white van that appeared to be covered in pro-Trump political stickers and decals. Later footage showed the van in transit to an FBI facility, with agents holding a tarp down around it.

Law enforcement source told CNN that Sayoc Jr. will face prosecution in the Southern District of New York, the jurisdiction where several of the packages were received.

President Trump cheered the authorities’ efforts on Twitter:

I want to applaud the FBI, Secret Service, Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of New York, the NYPD, and all Law Enforcement partners across the Country for their incredible work, skill and determination!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018

In remarks at the White House, made after the arrest the president said “swift and certain justice” awaits those responsible for the explosives.

“We must never allow political violence to take root in America — cannot let it happen — and I am committed to doing everything in my power to stop it and to stop it now,” Trump said.

Two more suspicious packages, in addition to the 10 from earlier this week, were found Friday, one addressed to Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in Florida and another discovered in New York addressed to former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. 

Potential pipe bombs and suspicious packages were sent to prominent Democrats, Trump critics and the CNN offices in New York this week in what appeared to be a coordinated effort. 

The first explosive device was discovered Monday night at the home of Democratic philanthropist George Soros in Westchester County, N.Y. 

The Secret Service intercepted packages sent to the residences of former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as well as former President Obama on Tuesday. 

CNN evacuated its offices on Wednesday after a package was delivered to the mailroom of the Time Warner building in New York addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, a frequent critic of Trump who works as a contributor for MSNBC. 

Packages also arrived at Wasserman Schultz’s office, as well as the California offices for Sen. Kamala Harris (D) and Rep. Maxine Waters (D).

None of the devices have detonated, and no injuries from them have been reported.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump condemned the packages ahead of a bill signing at the White House on Wednesday. 

“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,” Trump said.

“We are extremely angry, upset, unhappy about what we witnessed this morning and we will get to the bottom of it,” he added.

On Friday, Trump lashed out at the media, accusing them of “blaming” him for the series of bombs. 

“Funny how lowly rated CNN, and others, can criticize me at will, even blaming me for the current spate of Bombs and ridiculously comparing this to September 11th and the Oklahoma City bombing, yet when I criticize them they go wild and scream, ‘it’s just not Presidential!’” Trump tweeted shortly after 3 a.m. on Friday morning.

Funny how lowly rated CNN, and others, can criticize me at will, even blaming me for the current spate of Bombs and ridiculously comparing this to September 11th and the Oklahoma City bombing, yet when I criticize them they go wild and scream, “it’s just not Presidential!”

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018

And later, the president said it was “unfortunate” that news of the devices may blunt GOP momentum ahead of the midterm elections.

Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this “Bomb” stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows – news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on. Republicans, go out and vote!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018

—Updated at 3:05 p.m.