Former Secretary of State and U.S. Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts was allegedly threatened by the man suspected of mailing more than a dozen crude package explosives to top Democrats and others nationwide in recent days.
Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, originally from Brooklyn and currently of Florida, was taken into custody in his current home state Friday. At a news conference, Attorney General Jeff Sessions says federal authorities are charging Sayoc with five federal crimes including the mailing of explosives.
Sayoc is accused of sending up to 13 pipe bombs through the mail to CNN and prominent Democrats across the county, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, George Soros and Robert De Niro.
Prior to the mailing spree, Sayoc posted a message on his Twitter account on Oct. 1 saying, "Kerry shut criminal mouth before you vanish with all BS crap." He also included some nonsensical remarks about "Biden Obama," $15 billion in taxpayer money and China.
Authorities said investigators used DNA and fingerprint evidence to take Sayoc into custody.
Sayoc faces five federal charges, including interstate transportation of explosives, illegal mailing of explosives, threats to political figures and other offenses. He faces up to 48 years in prison if convicted. The FBI cautioned similar packages may still turn up and asked people to remain vigilant.
A senior law enforcement official says authorities aren't looking for any other suspects in the case. They are, however, tracking down the associates and contacts of Sayoc, a registered Republican, as part of their investigation. Sayoc has past arrests, including for battery, theft and other offenses.
