Crude pipe bombs targeting Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, CNN and others were intercepted Tuesday night and Wednesday in a rash of attacks aimed at prominent Democrats and a cable news network often criticized by political conservatives.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said his office received a similar package, and the FBI said Florida Republic
Deborah Wasserman Schultz did, too, possibly misaddress and then sent to her as the return addressee. A similar device was found Monday at the New York compound of liberal billionaire George Soros, a major contributor to Democratic causes.
There were no explosions and no reports of injuries.
The bombs were intercepted two weeks before nationwide elections that could reshape Congress and serve as a referendum on the first two years of Donald Trump's presidency. The events quickly overtook other campaign news in an already-tense political season, which has included pitched fights over immigration, the Supreme Court and sexual violence against women.
The White House quickly condemned the attacks aimed at Democrats and perceived foes of the administration. Republican Vice President Mike Pence said they "have no place in this country," and Trump tweeted, "I agree wholeheartedly."
All the confirmed bombs appeared to come from the same person or persons, said John Miller, the New York Police Department's head of intelligence and counterterrorism, who briefed reporters in New York.
The US Secret Service intercepted a bomb that was addressed to Hillary Clinton at the Chappaqua, New York, home she shares with former President Bill Clinton, and another that was sent to former President Obama at his home with Michelle Obama in Washington. A police bomb squad removed still another from CNN's New York headquarters, which was evacuated.
Overhead TV shots showed a truck carrying that device, which law enforcement officials said was linked to the other explosives, being driven away. The package sent to CNN contained a live explosive and envelope with white powder, and officials said the substance was being tested to see if it was dangerous.
New York Police Commissioner James P O'Neill told reporters that the explosive device sent to CNN’s headquarters in New York appeared to be sent by the same person who mailed pipe bombs to Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.
"NYPD and our law enforcement partners responded to reports of a suspicious package at CNN. Officers identified the device that appeared to be a live explosive device. NYPD bomb squad secured the device and removed it for investigation," O'Neill said.
"Additionally, there was an envelope containing white powder, discovered as part of that original packaging. We're investing that right now. We found no additional threats besides the white powder. NYPD is currently deploying resources around the city," he added.
White House condemns act as 'despicable'
The White House condemned attempted attacks on Obama, Clinton, others, and said that 'these terrorising acts are despicable'.
"These terrorising acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement.
WATCH: Explosive devices sent to Obama, Clintons, CNN's New York office
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