New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called-in the National Guard Wednesday evening after multiple “suspicious packages” were sent to prominent politicians and news organizations in New York City and the surrounding suburbs.
Cuomo announced his decision on social media just hours after CNN’s New York offices were evacuated; saying “Fear is the intent and we are trying to counter fear, so we’ve deployed National Guard, we doubled the state police, you’ll see more of a police presence in New York.”
“I’ve been governor of New York for seven years, I’ve faced many terrorism situations, and this works on multiple levels. The first level is to do a full investigation. Let’s find the person or people involved,” he said Thursday. “Second, especially in New York, you want to retain a sense of control, you want people to know that you’re acting and you’re acting appropriately and they’re safe. Fear is the intent and we are trying to counter fear, so we’ve deployed National Guard, we doubled the state police, you’ll see more of a police presence in New York,” posted Cuomo.
Out of an abundance of caution, I am deploying additional National Guard soldiers and directing State law enforcement to double security at vital transportation assets across New York.
New Yorkers have never succumbed to fear or intimidation, and today will be no different. pic.twitter.com/8XxY7jWYTJ
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 24, 2018
Multiple devices have been seized by law enforcement personnel this week after being sent to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Maxine Waters, Robert de Niro, Joe Biden, CNN, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
DEVELOPING: ‘Suspicious Packages’ Sent to Obamas, Clintons, CNN Evacuated
The Secret Service “intercepted” two “potential explosive devices” sent to former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Wednesday, as another “suspicious package” prompted the evacuation of CNN’s New York offices.
The flurry of dangerous devices comes as local police report an additional package was sent to Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
“ALERT!!! We are working an investigation of a suspicious package near Sawgrass Corporate Parkway. Please stay out of the area of NW 8th St and NW 136th Ave. We will provide further updates when available,” tweeted the Sunrise Police Department.
ALERT!!! We are working an investigation of a suspicious package near Sawgrass Corporate Parkway. Please stay out of the area of NW 8th St and NW 136th Ave. We will provide further updates when available.
— Sunrise Police FL (@SunrisePoliceFL) October 24, 2018
“We condemn the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures. These terrorizing acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and will take all appropriate actions to protect anyone threatened by these cowards,” said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE: Additional ‘Suspicious Packages’ Sent to Joe Biden, Robert De Niro
Former Vice President Joe Biden and outspoken actor Robert De Niro were also the targets of two additional “suspicious packages” similar to those delivered to former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Maxine Waters, and CNN’s New York headquarters.
“The FBI, New Castle County, Del., police and postal inspectors were investigating the package addressed to Biden, law enforcement officials told Fox News, stressing the suspicious package investigation was the bureau’s highest priority,” writes Fox News.
A similar package addressed to De Niro was found Thursday in the offices of his New York City production company.
“A suspicious package was received. We called the police. They took it out and went through all safety procedures,” the Tribeca Film Center said in a statement. “It was addressed to Robert De Niro and is similar packaging to the others. It is an open investigation. Everyone is safe and the building is open.”
Read the full story at Fox News.
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