Suspect identified in mail bombings: report

The suspect arrested on Friday in connection with the series of suspected explosive packages mailed to prominent Democrats has been identified by law enforcement officials as Cesar Sayoc Jr., according to media reports.

The New York Times identified Sayoc as a 56-year-old male from Aventura, Fla., north of Miami.

He is a registered Republican with a criminal record that includes felony theft, drug and fraud charges dating back to 1991.

{mosads}Public records show he was also once arrested and accused of threatening to use a bomb.

He was born in New York and public records list his occupation as “manager,” the Times reported.

The suspect was arrested on Friday near Plantation, Fla., in the district represented by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), whose office was listed as a return address on several of the packages.

FBI agents were seen nearby covering up a white van that appeared to be covered in political stickers and decals honoring President Trump and Vice President Pence.

MSNBC reported that stickers also read “CNN SUCKS” and depicting former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others shown with gun sight targets on their faces. 

It is unclear whether the van belongs to Sayoc.

No formal charges have been filed as of yet but a spokeswoman with the Justice Department announced that a press conference will be held in the afternoon.

Potential pipe bombs and suspicious packages were sent to prominent Democrats, Trump critics and the CNN offices in New York this week in what appeared to be a coordinated effort. 

Packages were intercepted addressed to the residences of the Clintons, former President Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden.

Other packages were addressed to Wasserman Schultz, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif), former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan. 

None of the devices have detonated, and no injuries from them have been reported.

Tags bomb threats Cory Booker Donald Trump Hillary Clinton James Clapper Joe Biden John Brennan Maxine Waters suspicious packages van

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