Trump Supporter Arrested for Sending Pipe Bombs to Public Figures
A 56-year-old Florida man was arrested Friday morning for sending packages that contained pipe bombs to democratic officials and critics of Donald Trump.
Federal Authorities identified the pipe bomber as Cesar Sayoc Jr. who is a Trump supporter and a registered Republican. According to the suspect’s cousin, he worked as a bouncer in a strip club and has a past criminal history and arrest for making a bomb threat.
According to NBC sources, the cousin described Sayac as “multi-racial” when he described black people during a conversation in 2014 using a racist term in Italian slang.
Lenny Altieri, the suspect’s cousin, noted that Sayac is part Italian and part Filipino. “I said, ‘What do you hate for? He got very upset with me and that was the last time we spoke,” said Altieri.
His cousin told NBC News that he was a “loose cannon” and a “lost soul.” He was alienated from his family and had been abusing steroids.
Sayoc is facing multiple federal charges, which include “threats against former presidents,” officials said. No one was hurt during the bomb messaging, but they were real.
A few of these pipe bombs (homemade bombs contained in a pipe) were sent to former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, CNN’s New York Offices, and other public officials. The suspect sent 13 devices and will be likely charged with a 14th device, sent to Tom Seyer major Democratic donor.
Sources from Washington Post say the investigation began Monday afternoon, when a package was sent to billionaire activist George Soros.
The investigation ended 96 hours later outside of an auto supply store in Plantation, Florida. Where the suspect was arrested near his white van displayed with a collection of pro-Trump posters.
Officials said he was somewhat cooperative and told investigators that his intention was to not hurt anyone, and the bombs were harmless. No further questions were asked since he is retained by a lawyer.
FBI director Wray believes there might still be possible packages and it is too soon to say the investigation is over, sources from CNN News.