US authorities warn of more explosive devices by Trump supporters
US law enforcement officials have warned there could be more explosive devices on their way to high-profile critics of President Donald Trump and have advised the American public to on the lookout.
"This has to be taken with the most seriousness," New York City Police Commissioner James O’Neill told reporters at a news conference when asked to address claims that the mailings were part of a hoax. "We are treating them as suspected explosive devices."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city had already boosted its police presence "to show very vividly that New York City takes these issues seriously.”
And FBI Assistant Director William Sweeney advised the "American public to remain vigilant as it does remain possible further packages have been or could be mailed. These devices should be considered dangerous.”
FBI agents arrested a 56-year-old suspect, identified as Cesar Sayoc, in the state of Florida on Friday for allegedly sending at least a dozen parcel bombs over the last week to high-profile Democrats and critics of the Republican president.
The explosive devices were sent less than two weeks ahead of the key midterm congressional elections.
Sayoc – a registered Republican – once lived in New York and has a criminal history dating back to 1991, with charges ranging from felony theft to drug offenses and fraud, according to several US news outlets.
Authorities reportedly impounded Sayoc’s white van, which was covered in Trump stickers and images of Democrats with targets on their faces.
Announcing the arrest to a cheering audience at the White House, Trump said such "terrorizing acts" were despicable and had no place in the United States.
Since Monday, homemade bombs and other suspected explosive devices have been addressed to former US President Barack Obama, ex-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, Hollywood actor Robert De Niro and a litany of figures loathed by Trump's far-right supporters.
Americans' anger at Trump may help Democrats gain more seats in Congress after the elections in November, Reuters/Ipsos polling data shows.
The Republican Party is attempting to maintain control of Congress by following the lead of Trump and turning to rhetoric about immigrants as a tactic to scare and motivate voters in the elections, Reuters polling shows.
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