What We Know About the South Florida Pipe Bomb Suspect
The FBI has arrested 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc Jr. of Aventura, Florida, in connection with a string of packages containing explosives that were mailed to various public figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
October 26, 2018 at 01:49 PM
3 minute read
Cesar Sayoc Jr. Arrest photo.
The FBI has arrested Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, from Aventura, Florida, over numerous packages authorities say contained explosives, sent via U.S. mail to various public figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former director of national intelligence James Clapper.
A representative from the Department of Justice confirmed this morning that an arrest was made, and announced plans to hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. EST.
The FBI's New York office has led the investigation, which drew agents to a U.S. Postal Service facility in Opa-locka, Florida, the possible origin of at least some of the packages.
Early reports indicate Sayoc could face prosecution in Federal District Court in Manhattan. Five of the bombs sent this week fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan.
We can confirm one person is in custody. We will hold a press conference at the Department of Justice at 2:30pm ET.
— Sarah Isgur Flores (@whignewtons) October 26, 2018
Sayoc was reportedly arrested near Plantation, Florida, about 32 miles northwest of Miami. According to police officials, he has a criminal history in Broward County.
News outlets have shared video footage of federal agents using tarp to cover what appears to be Sayoc's white van, allegedly decorated with political stickers and decals.
All intended recipients of the packages are vocal critics of President Donald Trump.
According to Sayoc's Florida voter records, he's been registered as a Republican since April 3, 2014.
MORE: Image taken at earlier date shows white van covered in decals of Pres. Trump, targets over the likenesses of Hillary Clinton, former Pres. Obama, filmmaker Michael Moore; it's believed to be same van at scene of suspect's arrest in Plantation, Fla. https://t.co/gsq71KV0gB pic.twitter.com/ysuk205JtT
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) October 26, 2018
The first package was reported to police on Monday, after showing up at billionaire investor George Soros' New York home.
The latest three packages were found on Thursday — one addressed to actor, producer and director Robert DeNiro, and two sent to former Vice President Joe Biden.
According to the New York Times, the case is likely to be prosecuted, at least in part, in Federal District Court in Manhattan.
This is a developing report and will be updated.
Related story:
Read the DOJ's Charges Against Suspected Pipe Bomber Cesar Sayoc
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