US: More suspicious packages reported in New York and Florida Oct. 26 /update 4

Event

On the morning (local time) of Friday, October 26, authorities announced that a suspicious package containing explosives and addressed to the CNN headquarters in New York City had been intercepted at a US Postal Service (USPS) facility in Midtown Manhattan. Another suspicious package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker was found in Florida. Finally, a third package, addressed to former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, was intercepted at a USPS facility in New York City. Reports indicate that, as of 09:00, security forces have cordoned off the area around the facility, located on 8th Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 56th Street. A heightened security presence is likely in affected areas and similar incidents are possible in the coming hours and days. Authorities have not named any suspects.

Context

The packages have targeted figures critical of President Donald Trump, many of whom are Democratic Party officials, donors, or have worked in a Democratic administration.

Other devices have been sent to the residence of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the office of former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Joe Biden, former US Attorney General Eric Holder (received at the office of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz [Sunrise, Florida]), former CIA Director John Brennan, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, billionaire George Soros, and a restaurant owned by actor Robert De Niro.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas, and the US more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, report all suspicious objects and behavior to the police, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.