U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Friday that Cesar Sayoc, the suspect in a raft of suspicious packages sent to prominent Democrats and others, is in the custody of the FBI and has been charged with five federal crimes.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on Friday that Cesar Sayoc, the suspect in a raft of suspicious packages sent to prominent Democrats and others, is in the custody of the FBI and has been charged with five federal crimes.

US mail bomb suspect charged, as FBI confirms more than a dozen bombs were not hoax devices

Sayoc faces up to 58 years in prison if found guilty, Sessions said at a press conference announcing the charges.

"We will not tolerate such lawlessness, especially political violence," he said.

FBI director Christopher Wray said more than a dozen mail bombs sent were not hoax devices.

FBI agents arrested Sayoc, 56, in Plantation, Florida and also hauled away a white van plastered with pro-Trump stickers, the slogan "CNN SUCKS" and images of Democratic figures with red crosshairs over their faces.

Wray told the news conference that fingerprints on a package sent to Representative Maxine Waters belonged to Sayoc.

He also said there could be other packages.

Announcing the arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to a cheering audience at the White House, US President Donald Trump said such "terrorizing acts" were despicable and had no place in the United States.

"We must never allow political violence to take root in America - cannot let it happen," Trump said. "And I'm committed to doing everything in my power as president to stop it and to stop it now."

Sayoc's home address was listed in public records as an upscale gated apartment complex in the seaside town of Aventura, Florida.

According to the records, he is a registered Republican with a lengthy criminal past - including once making a bomb threat - and a history of posting inflammatory broadsides on social media against Trump's political foes.

Sayoc was being held at an FBI processing center in Miramar, Florida, CNN said. He was expected to be taken to the Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami and will likely make his first appearance before a judge on Monday, according to former Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weinstein.

A federal law enforcement source said charges would likely be brought by federal prosecutors in Manhattan and Sayoc transferred to New York City.

US authorities earlier detained Sayoc in connection with the mail bombs scare that has widened to 14 suspicious packages, officials said

Video from television news helicopters showed federal agents and police examining a white van in the car park of a business in Plantation, Florida.

Earlier on Friday, authorities said suspicious packages addressed to New Jersey senator Cory Booker and former National Intelligence director James Clapper - both similar to those containing pipe bombs sent to other prominent critics of President Donald Trump - had been intercepted.

The discoveries further spurred a coast-to-coast investigation as officials scramble to locate a culprit and possible motive amid questions about whether new packages were being sent or were simply surfacing after a period in the mail system.

The devices have targeted well-known Democrats including former president Barack Obama, ex-vice president Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and former attorney general Eric Holder.

The FBI said the package to Mr Booker was intercepted in Florida, and one discovered at a Manhattan postal facility was addressed to Mr Clapper at CNN's address. An earlier package had been sent to former Obama CIA director John Brennan care of CNN in New York.

Investigators are analysing the crude devices to reveal whether they were intended to detonate or simply sow fear just before election day on November 6.

Law enforcement officials said the devices, containing timers and batteries, were not rigged to explode on opening, but they were uncertain whether the devices were poorly designed or never intended to cause physical harm.

Homeland Security secretary Kirstjen Nielsen acknowledged that some of packages originated in Florida. One official said investigators homed in on a postal facility in Opa-locka, where they believe some packages originated.

The package addressed to Mr Booker was found during an oversight search of that facility, according to a law enforcement official.

Most of those targeted were past or present US officials, but others were sent to actor Robert De Niro and billionaire George Soros.

The bombs have been sent across the country - from New York, Delaware and Washington DC to Florida and California, where Democratic representative Maxine Waters was targeted.

They bore the return address of Florida representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.

The common thread among the targets was obvious: their critical words for Mr Trump and his frequent criticism in return.

The president claimed he was being blamed for the mail bombs, complaining in a tweet: "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!'"

The package to Mr Clapper was addressed to him at CNN's Manhattan address. The frequent Trump critic told CNN he was not surprised to be targeted and that he considered the actions "definitely domestic terrorism".

The devices were packaged in manila envelopes and carried US postage stamps. They are being examined by technicians at the FBI's forensic lab in Quantico, Virginia.

The packages stoked nationwide tensions ahead of the elections to determine control of Congress - a campaign both major political parties have described in near-apocalyptic terms. Politicians from both parties used the threats to condemn a toxic political climate and to lay blame.

Mr Trump, in a tweet on Thursday, blamed the "Mainstream Media" for the anger in society. Mr Brennan responded, tweeting that the president should "stop blaming others. Look in the mirror".

The bombs are about 6in long and packed with powder and broken glass, according to a law enforcement official who viewed X-ray images. The official said the devices were made from PVC pipe and covered with black tape.

The first bomb discovered was delivered on Monday to the suburban New York compound of Mr Soros, a major contributor to Democratic causes, who has called Mr Trump's presidency "dangerous".
• Read More: U.S. authorities find two more suspicious packages amid manhunt for sender</s>Vice President Joe Biden”s son Beau Biden died Saturday of brain cancer nearly two years after he was first diagnosed. He was 46.

Here are some reactions to his death:

“Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth.”  President Barack Obama.

“He was extraordinarily in tune with people. He was passionate about serving. … I think it”s important that people know what a real, genuine, decent guy he was.”  Democratic Delaware Gov. Jack Markell.

“Throughout his life, Beau never shied away from doing the right thing, even when it meant doing the hard thing. Beau served his country and community with honor, and that”s how he will be remembered.”  U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.).

“I first met Beau when he was six years old. … It”s been a privilege to watch him grow up and become a leader in our state and in the Delaware National Guard. My last memory of Beau was during the Return Day Parade in Georgetown, Delaware, two days after last November”s election. I was walking along the parade route shaking hands with people just as Beau passed by, standing in a National Guard vehicle, waving at the crowd. For a moment, our eyes met, he waved to me and I to him. Then, he mouthed these words to me, ”I love you.” I smiled and returned them to him. And, he was gone.”  U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)

“Beau had a warm and generous spirit. He was a truly giving person, and he appreciated the good in others in the way we all should. He leaves a legacy of service, and also a great personal legacy that calls on each of us to be more gentle in our judgments and more gracious with our thanks. He was one of the best of the good guys.”  U.S. Rep. John Carney (D-Del.)

“He was filled with a sense of honor, duty, and humility – to the core. He was a class act, period, ingrained with integrity, compassion, a sense of moral obligation to help others, and especially people who were hurting.”  Secretary of State John Kerry.

“Beau”s dedication to public service was deep, broad and profound. He embodied the best and most noble traits that his parents sought to instill in him. I know Joe is very proud and he should be proud because Beau was simply a joy to know.”  Democratic Senate minority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

 “Beau Biden was known to many as a dedicated public servant, a loving father of two, and a devoted partner to the woman he loved: Hallie. I”ve known the Vice President for many years, and it”s hard to think of anything more important to him than his faith and his family. I hope he will find comfort in the former as he grieves such a terrible loss.”  Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“Our country lost a committed public servant, someone who devoted his own life to making the lives of others better. Beau was steadfast in his defense of our principles, whether as a member of the Delaware National Guard or as the state”s Attorney General. … I had the privilege of knowing Beau personally. He was a ”mensch” in the truest sense of the word.”  DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

“As a dedicated Attorney General and soldier, Beau devoted his career to proudly serving his country and home state. It was an honor to serve alongside him as he worked tirelessly to fight for the powerless and protect the most vulnerable, our children.”  Dennis P. Williams, Democratic mayor of Beau Biden”s hometown of Wilmington.

“The good die young. … He was a rock star. … He had a great image, great character. He was just a friendly, approachable individual.”  New Castle County (Delaware) Executive Tom Gordon, a longtime friend and political ally of Joe Biden.

“This is truly tragic news. … Beau served his country and the citizens of Delaware with honor and dignity. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the world around him. He will be missed.”  Charlie Copeland, chairman of the Delaware Republican Party.

“From serving our country in Iraq to serving his beloved home of Delaware as Attorney General, Beau Biden dedicated his life to a cause greater than himself. He will be deeply missed but remembered lovingly for lives he touched. The thoughts and prayers of all of Chicago are with the Vice President, Dr. Jill Biden and the entire Biden family during this very difficult time.”  Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.</s>PLANTATION, Fla. -- Federal authorities took a man into custody Friday in Florida in connection with the mail-bomb scare that earlier widened to 12 suspicious packages, the Justice Department said.

The man was identified by law enforcement officials as Cesar Sayoc, 56, of Aventura, Florida.

It was not clear whether Sayoc had been formally charged in the rash of devices addressed in recent days to Democratic figures including former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.

Law enforcement officers were seen on television examining a white van, its windows covered with an assortment of stickers, in the city of Plantation in the Miami area.

Authorities covered the vehicle with a blue tarp and took it away on the back of a flatbed truck.

The stickers included images of American flags and what appeared to be logos of the Republican National Committee and CNN, though the writing surrounding those images was unclear.

The development came amid a coast-to-coast manhunt for the person responsible for a series of explosive devices addressed to Democrats.

Law enforcement officials said they had intercepted a dozen packages in states across the country. None had exploded, and it wasn't immediately clear if they were intended to cause physical harm or simply sow fear and anxiety.

Earlier Friday, authorities said suspicious packages addressed to New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and former National Intelligence Director James Clapper -- both similar to those containing pipe bombs sent to other prominent critics of President Donald Trump -- had been intercepted.

Investigators believe the mailings were staggered.

The U.S. Postal Service searched their facilities 48 hours ago and the most recent packages didn't turn up. Officials don't think they were sitting in the system without being spotted. They were working to determine for sure.

The FBI said the package to Booker was intercepted in Florida. The one discovered at a Manhattan postal facility was addressed to Clapper at CNN's address. An earlier package had been sent to former Obama CIA Director John Brennan via CNN in New York.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday the Justice Department was dedicating every available resource to the investigation "and I can tell you this: We will find the person or persons responsible. We will bring them to justice."

Trump, on the other hand, complained that "this 'bomb' stuff" was taking attention away from the upcoming election and said critics were wrongly blaming him and his heated rhetoric.

Investigators were analyzing the innards of the crude devices to reveal whether they were intended to detonate or simply sow fear just before Election Day.

Law enforcement officials said the devices, containing timers and batteries, were not rigged to explode upon opening. But they were uncertain whether the devices were poorly designed or never intended to cause physical harm.

Most of those targeted were past or present U.S. officials, but one was sent to actor Robert De Niro and billionaire George Soros.

The bombs have been sent across the country -- from New York, Delaware and the District of Columbia to Florida and California, where Rep. Maxine Waters was targeted.

They bore the return address of Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.

The common thread among the bomb targets was obvious: Their critical words for Trump and his frequent, harsher criticism in return.

Trump claimed Friday he was being blamed for the mail bombs, complaining in a tweet sent before dawn: "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!'"

The package to Clapper was addressed to him at CNN's Midtown Manhattan address. Clapper, a frequent Trump critic, told CNN that he was not surprised he was targeted and that he considered the actions "definitely domestic terrorism."

Jeff Zucker, the president of CNN Worldwide, said in a note to staff that all mail to CNN domestic offices was being screened at off-site facilities. He said there was no imminent danger to the Time Warner Center, where CNN's New York office is located.</s>After 10 potential explosive devices were mailed to prominent Democrats, law enforcement authorities Friday continue to search post offices after warning the public that more packages could still be at large.

"This has to be taken with the most seriousness," New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill told reporters at a Thursday news conference when asked to address claims that the mailings were part of a hoax. "We are treating them as suspected explosive devices."

So far, none of the suspected packages have injured anyone.

Officials were searching a mail distribution center in Florida Thursday night for possible clues on where the packages originated. A scare at Time Warner Center in New York also caused more panic, after reports of unattended packages.

Here's what we know now.

A postal distribution center in Opa Locka, Florida, is being closely monitored because several of the suspicious packages might have passed through it, according to a law enforcement official who is not authorized to comment publicly. Miami-Dade police bomb-squad and K-9 officers were called out to the center Thursday evening as federal authorities continued their investigation at the facility.

More: Authorities eye Florida in hunt for source of suspicious packages, as security officials worry danger 'not over'

Time Warner Center in midtown Manhattan, where CNN's New York offices are located, was partially evacuated Thursday night when the New York Police Department responded to reports of a pair of unattended packages.

The packages were cleared and no threat was found. Earlier this week, a bomb-like device was sent to the building addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan and the CNN offices were evacuated.

More: How to identify a suspicious package, and what to do with it

How many packages so far?

At least 10 suspected bombs were addressed to various locations and intercepted since Monday. U.S. Postal Service officials told reporters Thursday afternoon that investigators looking for other packages had found nothing in the last 8 hours.
• Former CIA Director John Brennan, sent to CNN’s offices in New York City
• Florida's Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a package discovered at her office was addressed to former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder)
• Billionaire George Soros, in the mailbox at his home in Bedford, New York
• Former Vice President Joe Biden; two packages were intercepted at Delaware postal facilities

Will there be more suspicious packages?

Authorities warned the public on Thursday to be on the lookout for more suspicious packages that could still be in the mail system.

O'Neill told reporters there are no current or credible threats that law enforcement is aware of. And he expressed confidence that the culprit would be caught.

Two law enforcement officials said Thursday that investigators have been increasingly focused on the mail streams in and out of Florida, largely since the device addressed to Holder was recovered when it was re-routed back to the return address of Wasserman Schultz. The two officials who are not authorized to comment publicly said authorities had not identified a suspect.

More: White House denies that Trump's rhetoric to blame for suspicious packages, 'anger' in society</s>Postal service police screen employees entering the Royal Palm processing and Distribution Center, Oct. 25, 2018 in Opa-locka, Fla.

After 10 potential explosive devices were mailed to prominent Democrats, law enforcement authorities Friday continue to search post offices after warning the public that more packages could still be at large.

"This has to be taken with the most seriousness," New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill told reporters at a Thursday news conference when asked to address claims that the mailings were part of a hoax. "We are treating them as suspected explosive devices."

So far, none of the suspected packages have injured anyone.

Officials were searching a mail distribution center in Florida Thursday night for possible clues on where the packages originated. A scare at Time Warner Center in New York also caused more panic, after reports of unattended packages.

Here's what we know now.

A postal distribution center in Opa Locka, Florida, is being closely monitored because several of the suspicious packages might have passed through it, according to a law enforcement official who is not authorized to comment publicly. Miami-Dade police bomb-squad and K-9 officers were called out to the center Thursday evening as federal authorities continued their investigation at the facility.

More: Authorities eye Florida in hunt for source of suspicious packages, as security officials worry danger 'not over'

Time Warner Center in midtown Manhattan, where CNN's New York offices are located, was partially evacuated Thursday night when the New York Police Department responded to reports of a pair of unattended packages.

The packages were cleared and no threat was found. Earlier this week, a bomb-like device was sent to the building addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan and the CNN offices were evacuated.

More: How to identify a suspicious package, and what to do with it

How many packages so far?

At least 10 suspected bombs were addressed to various locations and intercepted since Monday. U.S. Postal Service officials told reporters Thursday afternoon that investigators looking for other packages had found nothing in the last 8 hours.
• Former CIA Director John Brennan, sent to CNN’s offices in New York City
• Florida's Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a package discovered at her office was addressed to former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder)
• Billionaire George Soros, in the mailbox at his home in Bedford, New York
• Former Vice President Joe Biden; two packages were intercepted at Delaware postal facilities

Will there be more suspicious packages?

Authorities warned the public on Thursday to be on the lookout for more suspicious packages that could still be in the mail system.

O'Neill told reporters there are no current or credible threats that law enforcement is aware of. And he expressed confidence that the culprit would be caught.

Two law enforcement officials said Thursday that investigators have been increasingly focused on the mail streams in and out of Florida, largely since the device addressed to Holder was recovered when it was re-routed back to the return address of Wasserman Schultz. The two officials who are not authorized to comment publicly said authorities had not identified a suspect.

More: White House denies that Trump's rhetoric to blame for suspicious packages, 'anger' in society</s>Former Vice President Joe Biden appears be among the several Democrats and prominent critics of President Trump targeted by a pipe bomb this week.

Authorities said Thursday morning that they had intercepted two suspicious packages, which were both addressed to Biden, at separate Delaware mail facilities. Citing law enforcement sources, both the New York Times and the AP report the packages sent to Biden were similar to the pipe bombs discovered earlier this week and contained in typed manilla envelopes listing Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office as the return address.



The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed in a statement to VICE News that special agents and local law enforcement were responding to postal facilities in Wilmington and New Castle County, but declined to elaborate, saying, “no further details will be released at this time concerning the nature of the investigation." In a subsequent tweet, however, the agency confirmed bombs had been sent to Biden and Robert de Niro.

Over the past week, at least 10 bombs were also mailed or delivered to prominent Trump critics like Bill and Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, liberal mega-donor George Soros, actor Robert De Niro, former CIA Director John Brennan by way of CNN, Rep. Maxine Waters, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, though it’s not clear she was the target. According to law enforcement, the envelope delivered to her address had been incorrectly addressed to former Attorney General Eric Holder and directed to her office because it was listed as a return address.

Police are also investigating a suspicious package at a mail facility near Downtown Los Angeles, according to CBS News.

It’s still unclear who’s behind what the NYPD’s head of counterterrorism referred to Wednesday as a terror attack. The string of packages began arriving on Monday, when a caretaker for Soros’ New York home discovered the first explosive device left in a mailbox outside Soros' Katonah home.



John Miller, the head of the New York Police Department’s counterterrorism unit, confirmed Wednesday that the bombs sent to Brennan, Obama, Clinton and Soros appeared to be sent by the same person. Images of the bombs sent to Biden and CNN also reveal similar packaging.

Trump, who called for unity and condemned the attacks on Wednesday, resorted to blaming the media early Thursday morning as news of two new bombs broke.

The package addressed to Brennan was sent to the New York City office of CNN, one of Trump’s favorite targets, forcing the entire building to evacuate while a bomb team removed the bomb.





Cover image: Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign rally held at the University of South Florida Campus Recreation Building on October 22, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The rally was held to support U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum as they run against their Republican opponents. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)</s>WASHINGTON (AP) — The mail-bomb scare widened Thursday as law enforcement officials seized three more suspicious packages — two addressed to former Vice President Joe Biden and one to actor Robert De Niro — and said they were similar to crude pipe bombs sent to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and CNN.

None of the devices exploded, and no one was injured. But the packages, sent to prominent Democrats critical of President Donald Trump, heightened nationwide tensions and fears two weeks before major congressional midterm elections.

Even as everyone condemned the unknown sender and Trump decried political violence, blame flew for the corrosive nature of America's political conversation.

"A very big part of the Anger we see today in our society is caused by the purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media that I refer to as Fake News," Trump said in a morning Tweet. "It has gotten so bad and hateful that it is beyond description. Mainstream Media must clean up its act, FAST!"

Former CIA Director John Brennan, the target of one package sent to CNN where he has been a contributor, fired back.

"Stop blaming others. Look in the mirror," Brennan tweeted. "Your inflammatory rhetoric, insults, lies, & encouragement of physical violence are disgraceful. Clean up your act....try to act Presidential."

The politics belied the life-and-death nature of the growing list of bombing targets in New York, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida and California.

Police on Thursday said the package recovered in Manhattan addressed to De Niro, who dropped an expletive insult at Trump at this year's Tony Awards, was similar to the other pipe bombs recovered this week. De Niro had also apologized to Canadians for the "idiotic behavior of my president."

Biden has also criticized Trump, as recently as last week, saying Trump may not "know what he's doing" and coddles dictators.

A law enforcement official said the packages addressed to Biden were intercepted at Delaware mail facilities in New Castle and Wilmington and were similar to the others. The official wasn't authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Recovery of the packages to Biden and De Niro came after others were received by prominent Democrats and CNN.

The first crude bomb to be discovered had been delivered Monday to the suburban New York compound of George Soros, a liberal billionaire and major contributor to Democratic causes. Soros has called Trump's presidency "dangerous."

Similar packages addressed to Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama on their way to Chappaqua, New York, where Clinton lives with former President Bill Clinton and to Washington, where Obama lives with his wife, Michelle. The Secret Service said neither package reached their recipients.

More were sent to frequent Trump critics Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California and former Attorney General Eric Holder. His ended up at the Florida office of Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who was listed as the return address.

A police bomb squad removed the package addressed to Brennan from CNN's New York office, which was evacuated.

The bombs seized Wednesday, each with a small battery, were about six inches long and packed with powder and broken glass, said a law enforcement official who viewed X-ray images and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.

The official said the devices were made from PVC pipe and covered with black tape.

The devices all were sent to an FBI lab in Virginia to be studied. Officials provided no details on a possible suspect or motive.

"Suffice it to say, it appears an individual or individuals sent out multiple, similar packages," said John Miller, the New York Police Department's head of intelligence and counterterrorism, who briefed reporters.

As the scope of the attack became clearer Wednesday, Trump decried political violence during a scripted event in the White House East Room and other members of the administration said it has no place in American society.

Later at a rally in Wisconsin, he urged unity.

"Let's get along," he said. "By the way, do you see how nice I'm behaving tonight? Have you ever seen this?"

But at the same event, he blamed the media and on Twitter Thursday kept up the argument that the media plays a role.

"Acts or threats of political violence have no place in the United States," Trump said. "This egregious conduct is abhorrent."

Other Republican leaders said the same. But Democratic Senate and House leaders Chuck Schumer of New York and Nancy Pelosi of California said such words "ring hollow" when coming from Trump. They noted the president's recent praise of a GOP congressman who body-slammed a reporter, among other Trump statements.

Sisak reported from New York. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Ken Thomas, Jill Colvin and Chad Day in Washington and Jim Mustian, Deepti Hajela and Tom Hays in New York contributed to this report.</s>Postal service police screen employees entering the Royal Palm processing and Distribution Center, Oct. 25, 2018 in Opa-locka, Fla.

After 10 potential explosive devices were mailed to prominent Democrats, law enforcement authorities Friday continue to search post offices after warning the public that more packages could still be at large.

"This has to be taken with the most seriousness," New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill told reporters at a Thursday news conference when asked to address claims that the mailings were part of a hoax. "We are treating them as suspected explosive devices."

So far, none of the suspected packages have injured anyone.

Officials were searching a mail distribution center in Florida Thursday night for possible clues on where the packages originated. A scare at Time Warner Center in New York also caused more panic, after reports of unattended packages.

Here's what we know now.

A postal distribution center in Opa Locka, Florida, is being closely monitored because several of the suspicious packages might have passed through it, according to a law enforcement official who is not authorized to comment publicly. Miami-Dade police bomb-squad and K-9 officers were called out to the center Thursday evening as federal authorities continued their investigation at the facility.

More: Authorities eye Florida in hunt for source of suspicious packages, as security officials worry danger 'not over'

Time Warner Center in midtown Manhattan, where CNN's New York offices are located, was partially evacuated Thursday night when the New York Police Department responded to reports of a pair of unattended packages.

The packages were cleared and no threat was found. Earlier this week, a bomb-like device was sent to the building addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan and the CNN offices were evacuated.

More: How to identify a suspicious package, and what to do with it

How many packages so far?

At least 10 suspected bombs were addressed to various locations and intercepted since Monday. U.S. Postal Service officials told reporters Thursday afternoon that investigators looking for other packages had found nothing in the last 8 hours.
• Former CIA Director John Brennan, sent to CNN’s offices in New York City
• Florida's Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (a package discovered at her office was addressed to former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder)
• Billionaire George Soros, in the mailbox at his home in Bedford, New York
• Former Vice President Joe Biden; two packages were intercepted at Delaware postal facilities

Will there be more suspicious packages?

Authorities warned the public on Thursday to be on the lookout for more suspicious packages that could still be in the mail system.

O'Neill told reporters there are no current or credible threats that law enforcement is aware of. And he expressed confidence that the culprit would be caught.

Two law enforcement officials said Thursday that investigators have been increasingly focused on the mail streams in and out of Florida, largely since the device addressed to Holder was recovered when it was re-routed back to the return address of Wasserman Schultz. The two officials who are not authorized to comment publicly said authorities had not identified a suspect.

More: White House denies that Trump's rhetoric to blame for suspicious packages, 'anger' in society</s>As the FBI confirmed an 11th suspicious package had been recovered in Florida, the New York Police Department is investigating a 12th package Friday.

The package in New York found at a mail processing center in Manhattan was addressed to CNN in the care of former intelligence director James Clapper. Clapper is a contributor at CNN.

Clapper also testified at a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in May of 2017.

The FBI confirmed an 11th package has been recovered in Florida. It is similar in appearance to other suspicious packages sent to democratic leaders. This one was addressed to New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Several of the packages went through a U.S. Postal facility in Opa-locka, Florida, two law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation said.

The Miami-Dade Police Department tweeted that its bomb squad and K-9 Unit are providing assistance to federal partners at the USPS Opa-locka mail facility.

"This assistance is as a precautionary measure," it said. "We cannot provide additional information at this time due to the active nature of this federal investigation."

A series of pipe bombs and suspicious packages intercepted this week left the nation stunned and authorities hunting for a serial bomber who is targeting prominent Democratic figures and CNN.

Authorities intercepted all packages before they were delivered to their intended targets. None of the bombs detonated, and no one was injured.

Here's a breakdown of everything we've learned all week:

How many packages have been sent so far?

 Authorities have intercepted at least 10 packages.

They were sent to:

 Billionaire investor George Soros: One package, sent to his home in New York.

Bill and Hillary Clinton: One package mailed to their home in New York but intercepted by the Secret Service.

Barack Obama: One package mailed to Washington, D.C., but intercepted by the Secret Service.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder: One package addressed to him but sent to the Florida office of Democratic lawmaker Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters: Two suspicious packages: one intercepted at a congressional mail-screening facility in Maryland and a second one found at a postal facility in Los Angeles.

John Brennan: A "live explosive device" was addressed to the former CIA director and delivered by courier to CNN's offices at the Time Warner Center in New York.

Former Vice President Joe Biden: Two packages found at post offices in Delaware.

Actor Robert De Niro: A suspicious package sent to him at the Manhattan building where his production company is based shows similarities to the other pipe bomb packages.

Did the packages have any similarities?

The devices sent to Soros, Brennan and the top Democratic officials appeared to be pipe bombs, said Bryan Paarmann, FBI special agent in charge of the counterterrorism division in New York.

An initial examination shows they are rudimentary but functional, and have similar construction. At least one contained projectiles, including shards of glass, a law enforcement official told CNN.

The packages were in manila envelopes with bubble-wrap interior, the FBI said, and each package had six American flag Forever stamps on the envelope. The devices had suspicious-looking packaging, and at least one had a timer that can be bought for a few dollars online and should be easily detected when mailed or delivered.

Were the pipe bombs designed to go off?

In a news release, the FBI called them "potentially destructive devices." The presence of what was believed to be pyrotechnic powder caused investigators to believe they could detonate, but it appeared the packages were handled and moved through the postal system without an explosion.

Based on X-ray image of one of the devices, there appeared to be hazardous materials present, Anthony May, a retired ATF explosives investigator, told CNN's Brooke Baldwin.

But it also appeared to be missing a crucial component for a functioning explosive device.

Law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the devices, containing timers and batteries, were not rigged like booby-trapped package bombs that would explode upon opening. But they were uncertain whether the devices were poorly designed or never intended to cause physical harm.

Where are the packages now?

The devices sent to Clinton, De Niro, Obama, the CNN offices and Waters' East Coast office are either with the FBI or headed to the agency's lab in Quantico, Virginia. A controlled detonation was conducted for the device sent to Soros, while the one mailed to Waters' West Coast office was rendered safe by a bomb squad.

It's unclear where the others are.

A suspicious white powder found in an envelope along with the device sent to Brennan and CNN was tested and found not to be anthrax or other known agents, a source said. Additional tests will be done in the coming days.</s>Investigators looking at a series of pipe bombs zeroed in on a Florida postal facility as the number of explosive devices mailed to opponents and critics of U.S. President Donald Trump reached 12.

Three devices – two addressed to former vice-president Joe Biden in Delaware and one to actor Robert De Niro’s Manhattan restaurant – were recovered on Thursday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that all of the packages resembled the seven previously intercepted since Monday, which had been mailed to former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and left-wing billionaire George Soros, among others.

By Friday morning, two further suspicious packages had been found, one in Florida addressed to New Jersey Democratic Senator Cory Booker and one at a New York City post office. The New York City package was addressed to James Clapper, the former director of national intelligence, CNN reported.

The FBI focused on a mail-sorting facility in Opa-locka, near Miami, which is believed to have processed at least some of the packages. Miami-Dade police said on Thursday evening they had also dispatched a bomb squad and K-9 unit as a “precautionary measure.” The FBI has repeatedly warned of the possibility more bombs are still in circulation.

U.S. bomb scares: What we know so far about attempted attacks on Clinton, Obama, CNN and others

All of the parcels listed Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz’s Miami-area office as the return address.

None of the bombs exploded. The ones addressed to Mr. Obama, Ms. Clinton, Mr. Biden and Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters were intercepted before delivery. Those sent to Mr. Soros, Mr. De Niro and former Central Intelligence Agency director John Brennan – care of CNN’s Manhattan headquarters – reached their destinations but were flagged by the recipients, who called authorities. One mailed to former attorney-general Eric Holder was sent to Ms. Wasserman-Schultz’s office.

Mr. De Niro has long been critical of Mr. Trump. During the presidential election, he recorded a video in which he said Mr. Trump was “a fool” and “a bozo” and said he would like to punch him in the face. Mr. De Niro also used profane language to disparage Mr. Trump at the Tony Awards this past June.

Mr. Booker is often touted as a potential 2020 presidential candidate. Mr. Clapper, who oversaw the U.S. intelligence community under Mr. Obama, has been critical of Mr. Trump. Both he and Mr. Brennan are the frequent target of conspiracy theorists – often encouraged by the President – who claim that a secretive “deep state” of intelligence agents spied on Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign and has tried to thwart his administration.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Trump had called for unity and said he was “upset” by the attacks. But by Thursday, he was pinning blame for the country’s increasingly fraught political divide on the media – even as a cable-news outlet was one of the targets.

“A very big part of the Anger we see today in our society is caused by the purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media that I refer to as Fake News,” the President tweeted. “It has gotten so bad and hateful that it is beyond description. Mainstream Media must clean up its act, FAST!”

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, accused CNN of blaming Mr. Trump for the bombing campaign and indicated he would not be dialling back his rhetorical attacks on political opponents.

“Ninety per cent of the media attention around this President is negative,” she told reporters at the White House. “The very first thing your network did is come out and accuse the President of being responsible for [the bombs.]”

Mr. Trump last week cheered a Republican congressman convicted of body-slamming a newspaper reporter and has in the past tweeted a video of himself beating up a man with a CNN logo superimposed over his head taken from a 2007 WWE broadcast.

CNN’s parent company, AT&T, on Thursday announced a US$250,000 donation to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

“Threats to journalists are, at the very core, threats to freedom and liberty,” AT&T chief executive Randall Stephenson said in a statement.

Lara Schwartz, a political-communications expert at American University in Washington, said the response to the attempted bombings was more divided than at other such moments in the country’s history. After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks for instance, Ms. Clinton and then-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani – who had nearly squared off against each other for a Senate seat – were seen side-by-side at the site of the World Trade Center. And Al Gore, who had narrowly lost the previous year’s presidential election to George W. Bush, declared his former rival “my commander-in-chief” and urged fellow Democrats to rally behind him.

“If ever there was a moment for people who are engaged in battle to model unity, it would be when someone is targeting people like this,” Prof. Schwartz said in an interview. “It seems we are not there now. We should all be noting how huge that is.”

Prof. Schwartz contended Mr. Trump is reflecting a broader cultural and political shift: As congressional districts have been gerrymandered into safe seats and politicians have turned to increasing ideological purity to motivate their bases, the incentive to battle the other side rather than work with it has grown. And media is similarly fragmented, with different outlets telling different stories and a substantial chunk of the President’s base believing it would be a good idea to shut down outlets they do not agree with.

“A whole lot of people are ready to believe that the media is the enemy,” she said.
The FBI is investigating two packages found at postal facilities in Delaware, sent to former Vice President Joe Biden.