President Donald Trump interrupted his scheduled appearance at the Young Black Leadership Summit to react to the arrest of a man authorities believe is responsible for the pipe bombs mailed to outspoken Democrats. Calling on Americans to unify, the president was clear in his repudiation of the attempted terror attacks:
“It’s an incredible job by law enforcement. We’ve carried out a far-reaching Federal, State, and Local investigation to find the person or persons responsible for these events. These terrorizing acts are despicable and have no place in our country.”
Despite being continually tagged by the left as racist and divisive, the president went on to say, “We must never allow political violence to take root in America. Cannot let it happen. And I’m committed to doing everything in my power as President to stop it and to stop it now. Stop it now.”
Then he put the hammer down on political violence:
The bottom line is that Americans must unify, and we must show the world that we are united together in peace, and love, and harmony as fellow American citizens, there is no country like our country and every day we are showing the world just how truly great we are.
Federal authorities arrested 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc in Aventura, Florida in connection with the pipe bomb activities. Sayoc has quite the rap sheet, including grand theft auto, drug, and fraud charges. However, none of his previous criminal activities go to this level. Despite the South Florida address, Sayoc is said to have connections to New York City.
Twelve packages in all were posted this week. The incendiary devices were mailed to Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, Barack Obama, Maxine Waters, George Soros, Robert De Niro, Joseph Biden, James Clapper, Jr., and Cory Booker. Also, one meant for Eric Holder was instead sent to Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
None of them exploded. These were crude rather than sophisticated bombs, and the issues with spelling and incorrect addresses have authorities wondering about the perpetrator’s level of education and mental health.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”24″]“We must never allow political violence to take root in America.”[/perfectpullquote]
Sayoc’s van was pasted with pro-Trump stickers from stem to stern. This is what initially made law enforcement take a second look at him as a suspect. Even passersby noticed how the van “stuck out” in a parking lot, and there is a possibility the man was primarily living out of his vehicle.
The Department of Justice held a press conference at 2:30 pm today. Five charges were filed against the man today– all of them are federal crimes including interstate transport of an explosive, mailing explosives, threats against former presidents and other persons, assaulting current and former federal officers and threatening interstate communications. In short, they threw the book at him.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions reminded the public that Mr. Sayoc is innocent until proven guilty.
