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Wasserman Schultz’s office evacuated after suspicious package discovered

Six similar packages were found at the homes of prominent politicians and Americans, including at the New York headquarters of CNN.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) speaks in 2008, with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the background. Credit: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) speaks in 2008, with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the background. Credit: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

The Florida office of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) was evacuated on Wednesday after a suspicious package, perhaps with some kind of explosive, was discovered, according to law enforcement. A total of six such packages around the country are being investigated.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Sunrise police and agents from the FBI’s Miami office were on the scene.

“I can confirm there’s a suspicious package, and we’re handling it right now,” said Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.

The suspicious mail to the office of the Democratic congresswoman, which was addressed c/o former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, occurred as similar packages were found at the New York home of former President and U.S. Secretary of State Bill and Hillary Clinton; the Washington home of former President and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama; the New York home of philanthropist and Democratic mega-donor George Soros; and the offices of CNN headquarters in New York.

A package targeting the congressional office of Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) was intercepted by Capitol Police in Maryland, a Democratic aide told The Hill.

“The safety of the American People is my highest priority,” President Donald Trump tweeted in response to the multiple incidents. “I have just concluded a briefing with the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service.”

The safety of the American People is my highest priority. I have just concluded a briefing with the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Secret Service... pic.twitter.com/nEUBcq4NOh — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 24, 2018

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