Mohammed Jaffer
NEW YORK(TIP): Authorities say suspicious packages, some with confirmed explosive devices, have been turning up at prominent locations in New York, Washington, and Florida.
Initial reports indicated that a suspicious package had been intercepted en route to the White House, the Secret Service later announced that had not occurred.
As the situation unfolded, the NYPD responded to a device at the Time Warner Center where CNN’s New York studio is located. The building was evacuated. Law enforcement officials later said that package was believed to be a pipe bomb addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan.
During a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill said the device had been secured and removed from the building.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed that a suspicious package had been sent to his office, but it was later determined that it was not a bomb. Cuomo urged New Yorkers to remain calm as security would be heightened around the city.
“You will see an increased police presence from the NYPD…you shouldn’t be alarmed…it’s just a precaution,” the governor said.
A package at the Chappaqua home of Bill and Hillary Clinton was discovered late Tuesday, another package was discovered at the Obama family’s Washington home.
On Wednesday afternoon, the FBI also confirmed that a suspicious package was sent to the Florida office of Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz.
John Miller told 1010 WINS’ Juliet Papa that another device was sent to the former home of former Attorney General Eric Holder.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said no other credible threats had surfaced.
“What we saw here today was an effort to terrorize. This clearly was an act of terror,” he said.
The Trump administration was quick to condemn the activity on Wednesday.
“This is an ongoing situation that President Trump and his admin are monitoring closely. Our condemnation of these despicable acts certainly includes threats made to CNN as well as current or former public servants. These cowardly acts are unacceptable and won’t be tolerated,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted.
House Speaker Paul Ryan joined the chorus of those condemning the attempts saying, “we can’t tolerate any attempt to terrorize public figures, and those behind this must be brought to justice.”
Earlier this week a bomb was sent to the home of George Soror. Soros lives in Bedford, which is also in Westchester County.
An employee noticed the package at Soros’ home, and put it in a wooded area before calling police.
Miller is the NYPD’s Chief of Counterterrorism, he said the devices sent to CNN, Soros, the Clintons, and the Obamas appear to have been sent by the same person.
The Secret Service has initiated a full scope investigation.