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NEW YORK – CNN evacuated its offices in New York Wednesday after a device that appeared to be a homemade bomb was discovered in his mailroom.
Mayor Bill de Blasio described the act as an "act of terror" after he was kidnapped by the Time Warner Center police squad on Columbus Circle, where CNN's offices are located. The apparatus, built with a pipe and wires, was considered by the authorities as "a real explosive". the news cable network reported.
The evacuation followed a new Wednesday morning that suspicious packages containing explosive devices were allegedly sent to Hillary and Bill Clinton's home in Chappaqua, New York, and the office of former President Barack Obama in Washington.
On Tuesday, police investigated a package containing an explosive device at the home of prominent Democratic donor George Soros, a frequent target of anti-Semitic right-wing conspiracy theories.
"What we saw here today was an effort of terror, a terrorist act that aimed to undermine our free press and our leaders in this country with acts of violence," de Blasio said in a statement. afternoon press conference. "I want to make it clear that the people of New York will not be intimidated, we will take care of our lives without being discouraged, because the very concept of terrorism is to change us and we will not allow that to happen." he added.
President Donald Trump was informed of the parcels and tweeted that he was "unreservedly in agreement" with the conviction by Vice President Mike Pence of "the attempt to attack President Obama, the Clinton, @CNN and others ".
"These cowardly actions are despicable and have no place in this country," tweeted Pence. "Grateful for the quick response from @SecretService, @FBI and local law enforcement. Those responsible will be brought to justice.
CNN's device was discovered around 9:00 am in the mailroom and was addressed to John Brennan, former director of the CIA, CNN reported. Brennan, contributor for NBC and MSNBC, does not work for CNN. The Time Warner Center also includes other offices, a Whole Foods supermarket and several upscale shops and restaurants, including Masa and Per Se.
NYPD removed the aircraft from the building and hauled it into a containment truck to a facility in the Bronx, according to CNN. ABC News and CNN package and device photos show manila envelope addressed to John Brennan on "Time Warner (CNN)".
New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill said that an envelope containing white powder was also found with the parcel at CNN. The NYPD is investigating the substance, he said at a press conference in the afternoon.
CNN chief Jeff Zucker said in a statement to employees that the building had been evacuated by "a lot of caution, as a result of sending a suspicious package into the room of the mail".
"The NYPD is on the scene and we are working closely with them to take all precautions," Zucker said. "We also control every office in the world, as a precaution."
He encouraged employees to leave if it allowed them to "feel more comfortable".
"Your safety is our top priority and we will communicate again shortly," he said.
Zucker informed staff later in an email that all CNN offices had been checked and no other devices had been found.
Alarms rang out in CNN's newsroom when hosts Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto broadcast live suspicious packages sent to the Clinton and Obama.
Teams from the New York Police, counter-terrorism and explosives have drawn their attention to prestigious venues in New York, including those involving the media, a police source told HuffPost.
Photos taken by CNN staff and bystanders show a strong police presence in Columbus Circle.
"I'm always proud to work at @CNN. But especially today, tweeted Elizabeth Landers CNN reporter. "My colleagues continue to report, staying calm and factual while they deliver the news from the street outside our office in New York. The greatest professionalism, thank you. "
Jenna Amatulli and Marina Fang contributed to the reports.
This is a story in development. Check back for updates.
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