On Oct. 24, a suspicious package was sent to the Chappaqua, New York home of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Another explosive device was sent to former President Barack Obama’s office in Washington. Then media organizations were evacuated from their offices as more explosives started arriving at office across the country.
Fully functional pipe bombs were sent to the homes of two former Democratic presidents and news agencies like CNN became targets of suspicious packages.
Here's the moment CNN had to handoff to DC and evacuate Time Warner Center in New York pic.twitter.com/TUtnWrss9z
— Josh Billinson (@jbillinson) October 24, 2018
Live on the air, the fire alarm went off at the New York City offices in the Time Warner Center. The alarm prompted an evacuation of the building and CNN employees shared their experiences on social media. The building, located at Columbus Circle, is also home to other offices, a mall, and a Whole Foods.
NYPD confirmed that the device sent to CNN was constructed the same as a pipe bomb.
From our @SchneiderCNN and @ShimonPro – Device sent to Time Warner Center was constructed with a pipe and wires, according to NYPD source. Law enforcement authorities at the moment are treating the device as a real explosive.
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 24, 2018
CNN is reporting that the package was sent to their offices was labeled to former CIA Director John Brennan, who regularly appears on their show. It also appears that the package looked similar to those packages sent to the Clintons and the Obamas.
CNN reporters in NYC continue to be evacuated and are conducting their reporting from their cell phones.
My CNN colleagues and friends @AthenaCNN and @KateBolduan reporting from outside the TWC in NYC after being evacuated due to suspicious device found at CNN NYC offices. pic.twitter.com/VvKnuDZRaz
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 24, 2018
During a press conference, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, said that the attack against CNN is “clearly is an act of terror.”
The device was taken to a remote area for further investigation.
Thinking of all my colleagues in the CNN New York bureau.
— Daniella Diaz (@DaniellaMicaela) October 24, 2018
The bomb was placed in a white sphere that keeps the pressure on the device. It was then transported on a special flatbed to be examined further away from its intended target.
Vice President Mike Pence condemned the act, but some Latinx journalist are questioning his message.
He capitalized country. https://t.co/1tFTOyH6Dv
— Aura Bogado (@aurabogado) October 24, 2018
President Donald Trump issued a tweet, replying to Pence saying that “I agree wholeheartedly!”
The midterm elections are less than two weeks away and some are pointing out the timing of the bombs.
Call this what it is: Coordinated attempted terrorist attack. https://t.co/HrloZCBD3b
— Helen Ubiñas (@NotesFromHeL) October 24, 2018
People pointed out on social media that all of the people that were targeted today: George Soros, the Clinton’s, Obama, John Brennan, CNN, are people and institutions that Trump has bashed in the past.
The offices of the San Diego Tribune and Sen. Kamala Harries were also evacuated for similar circumstances.
The building of The San Diego Union-Tribune is being evacuated. This is the scene in downtown San Diego per photo of my colleague Abby Hamblin pic.twitter.com/si187rFa4k
— ⚡️ Luis Gomez (@RunGomez) October 24, 2018
According to reporters at the Tribune, the building also houses “law firms, co-working space, media and technology companies.”
There is also news that packages have also been sent to Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters and Democrat Rep. Wasserman-Schultz.
People are speculating on the timing and motive of the coordinated dissemination of the bombs.
Any attack or threat has one goal, to create fear and paralyze people. We have to react in the direct opposite way, standing strong and fearless. And that includes when is the government who wants to instill terror by removing trans ppl or demonizing immigrants
Secrete Service https://t.co/lSJQgAcvRR
— Samy Nemir Olivares (@Samynemir) October 24, 2018
This story is developing and we will update as it unfolds.
