“These terrorizing acts are despicable and have no place in our country,” President Trump said in remarks at the White House.
Trump confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody after a far-reaching investigation.
“We will prosecute them, him, her, whoever it may be to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Trump condemned the packages sent to “high profile figures” but didn’t mention them by name. The targets, all Trump critics, include Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rep. Maxine Waters, Sen. Cory Booker, and financier George Soros. Two packages were addressed to CNN, which Trump has continued to attack since the bomb scare.
“We must never allow political violence to take root in America, cannot let it happen, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power as president to stop it and to stop it now,” he said Friday.
He praised the FBI, Secret Service, NYPD and others for quickly finding the suspect. “It’s a needle in a haystack. How do you do it so quickly. They’ve done an incredible job,” Trump said.
11m ago 17:32
Sayoc was previously arrested and accused of threatening to use a bomb, the New York Times reports. His criminal history dates back to 1991 and also includes felony theft, drug and fraud charges.
Updated at 5.35pm BST
18m ago 17:25
Suspect Cesar Sayoc is a registered Republican with an extensive criminal history who appears to have owned dry cleaning and catering businesses, NBC News reported, citing public records.
Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC)
Public records show that suspect Cesar Sayoc is a registered Republican with an extensive criminal history who appears to have owned a dry cleaning business and a catering business.
October 26, 2018
Images of the van authorities took away from the site of the arrest appear to show photos of Trump and a presidential seal, along with other political decals. One sticker read “CNN sucks.”
Jason K. Morrell (@CNNJason)
Watch! Tarp flies off van… showing us a VERY clear picture of the POLITICS behind the stickers… including a hatred of CNN pic.twitter.com/vzb2tnku7G
October 26, 2018
DNA evidence played a role in the arrest, per NBC.
Updated at 5.30pm BST
55m ago 16:49
NY1 is reporting the suspect is Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, of Aventura, Florida.
Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1)
BREAKING: Senior law enforcement sources identify suspect in suspicious package investigation as Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, of Aventura, Florida.
theguardian.com