An explosive “pipe-bomb” style device was sent to the Camden office of Senator Cory Booker. Booker, a vocal critic of Trump and a potential 2020 candidate, is the latest prominent Democrat to be sent a suspicious package this week. Additionally, a package addressed to former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was discovered this morning. Booker and Clapper are the 11th and 12th people to receive mail bombs this week. Targets have also included former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, CNN, Representative Maxine Waters and actor Robert DeNiro.
The package addressed to Booker was intercepted at a South Florida U.S. Postal Service center mail sorting facility in Opa-Locka. According to the Associated Press, law officials said the devices contained timers and batteries but were not meant to explode upon opening. Officials say it was unclear if the devices were poorly designed or not intended to cause physical harm.
Saddened and angered that an explosive device was sent to @CoryBooker’s office. @NJOHSP is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to monitor the situation and coordinate our response. Grateful to law enforcement for keeping us safe from these acts of terror.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 26, 2018
Frightening and sad to see my friend Cory has now been targeted by these package bombs – but I know he won’t be intimidated & he won’t step back from all the amazing work he’s doing. Thank you law enforcement for your diligence & to our free press for keeping us informed & alert. https://t.co/JrVFLuFzYO
— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) October 26, 2018
Authorities have taken one person into custody in connection with the mailings, and the Justice Department will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m.