US: Suspected Bombs Target Top Democrats Ahead of Polls

Local Editor

US Police intercepted suspected bombs mailed to former President Barack Obama, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and other high-profile Democrats in what New York officials described Wednesday as an act of terrorism.

The packages brought a new level of tension to Nov. 6 political contests that will decide whether Democrats can challenge the majorities now held by US President Donald Trump’s Republicans in Congress.

The CNN bureau in New York also received a device looking like a pipe bomb, leading police to evacuate the building in a busy part of New York City near Central Park.

Eric Holder, former US attorney general under Obama, and Democratic Representative Maxine Waters were also among those targeted.

The mailed devices had the appearance of pipe bombs, though experts said there was no indication the improvised devices could be detonated remotely.

A similar-looking explosive device was delivered earlier this week to the home of George Soros, a prominent Democratic Party donor.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

“This clearly is an act of terror attempting to undermine our free press and leaders of this country through acts of violence,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Trump, relatively, condemned what he called “despicable acts” and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.

The package to Clinton was found late Tuesday while the one addressed to Obama was recovered early Wednesday, both during routine off-site mail screenings, the Secret Service said. Obama and Clinton were not at risk, they said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team