An apparent domestic terrorist sent active explosives to a number of former high-ranking Democrats around the country Wednesday.
The New York Times reports that three devices similar to the explosive sent to billionaire Democratic donor George Soros earlier this week, sent to the Westchester home of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the home of former President Barack Obama, and to the CNN headquarters in New York.
The device sent to CNN was reportedly addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan. The building was evacuated as a precaution.
Obama, Clinton, Brennan, and Soros have long been frequent targets for President Donald Trump's attacks at rallies and on Twitter.
“The packages were immediately identified during routine mail screening procedures as potential explosive devices and were appropriately handled as such,” the US Secret Service said in a statement. “The protectees did not receive the packages nor were they at risk of receiving them.”
Republicans Condemn:
Vice President Mike Pence and Donald Trump Jr. both condemned the attempted attacks on Twitter, calling the actions “cowardly” and “despicable.” “I agree wholeheartedly,” President Donald Trump tweeted.
Conservative pundit Ann Coulter, however, insisted that “bombs are a liberal tactic” despite explosives only targeting Democrats. The Secret Service denied a previous report that a similar package was sent to the White House.
Numerous conservatives on Twitter alleged that the bombs were a “false flag” planned ahead of the midterms.
Democrats Blame Trump:
Former longtime Clinton aide Philippe Reines blamed Trump's rhetoric for the attempted attacks.
“With every fiber of your rotten being you‘ve incited & condoned hate,” he tweeted, writing, “this is on you.”
Peter Daou, who worked on Clinton's 2008 campaign, similarly placed the blame at the Republican Party's feet.
