Senate staffers urged to be vigilant amid string of homemade mail bombs

Senate staffers were warned on Wednesday to take precautions following the interception of explosive devices sent to prominent Democratic political figures.

The Senate’s sergeant at arms wrote in an email that it “may be extremely dangerous” and violates policy to bring an unopened package to the Senate office buildings or the Capitol or accept mail from an unofficial source.

“Under no circumstances should anyone ever bring unopened mail or packages from outside the Senate into their offices,” the sergeant at arms wrote, advising Senate staff to contact authorities if they encounter any suspicious packages.

It advised anyone who finds a suspicious piece of mail to remain calm, move as far away from the parcel or letter as possible without leaving the office, and wait for authorities to arrive. 

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{mosads}The email comes the same day that the Secret Service announced it had found two “potential explosive devices” sent to the homes of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.

CNN also received an improvised explosive, which was addressed to the news network and former CIA director John Brennan. 

Another suspicious package, which was addressed to former Attorney General Eric Holder, was intercepted at Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz’s (D) office in Sunrise, Fla.

A fifth, addressed to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), was found at a congressional mail facility.

President Trump and members of the GOP have condemned the attempted attacks, which come at a time of heated political rhetoric and confrontations.

Trump in remarks at the White House condemned “acts or threats of political violence” and called for unity.

“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 at an event to mark its efforts to address the opioid crisis.