FBI: Packages sent to Dems, CNN taken to Quantico for analysis

The FBI said Wednesday that it has sent five packages believed to contain explosive devices to the bureau’s laboratory in Quantico, Va., for further analysis.

In a rare public statement, the FBI described the five suspicious packages sent to CNN, former President Obama, Hillary Clinton and other Democrats as “similar in appearance” and containing “potentially destructive devices.”

President Trump announced earlier Wednesday that he had ordered a “major federal investigation” into the attempted attacks, condemning “political violence” and describing the bomb threats as “abhorrent.” 

“The full weight of our government is being deployed to conduct this investigation and bring those responsible for these despicable acts to justice,” Trump said in remarks from the East Room before an event on combatting opioids. 

Statement on the FBI’s Investigation of Suspicious Packages https://t.co/wwXDpyNt3A pic.twitter.com/rXu1wBAQHj

— FBI (@FBI) October 24, 2018

The Secret Service confirmed Wednesday morning that it had intercepted a suspicious package sent to the Clinton residence in Chappaqua, N.Y., the previous day and another sent to the Obamas’s home in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday.{mosads}

Similar packages were sent to billionaire philanthropist George Soros on Monday and to CNN on Wednesday, with the latter addressed to former CIA director John Brennan, who has made regular appearances on the network but is a contributor on MSNBC.

Another package was mailed to former Attorney General Eric Holder but it never reached his address and was instead reportedly sent to its return address, which was a Florida office of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).

The packages are said to have contained homemade explosive devices, with authorities in New York describing the device mailed to CNN as a pipe bomb.

All five packages have been sent to Quantico for further analysis, as authorities search for suspects. 

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Wednesday afternoon that the investigation is of “highest priority” for the bureau.

“We have committed the full strength of the FBI’s resources and, together with our partners on our Joint Terrorism Task Forces, we will continue to work to identify and arrest whoever is responsible for sending these packages,” Wray said in a statement.

He encouraged those with any information to contact the FBI. 

The FBI also released photos of the packages, which were all mailed in manila envelopes and had a return address of “Debbie Wasserman Shultz [sic],” referring to the former Democratic National Committee chairwoman.

The bureau noted that it is “possible” more packages were mailed at other locations. Officials remain on high alert in the meantime, particularly in New York City, where the governor has ordered additional law enforcement personnel to airports, subways, and other transit systems.