WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 27th October, 2018) US authorities charged package bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc of Florida with five Federal crimes, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a press conference on Friday.
"He has been charged today with 5 federal crimes, including interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons," Sessions told reporters.
Sessions said the suspect faces up to 58 years in prision although media reported that the Justice Department had made a correction to 48.
The attorney general said the administration of President Donald Trump will not tolerate political violence and will go after anyone who tries to use threats and intimidation to advance his or her agenda.
When asked why Sayoc targeted only Democrats and the president's critics, Sessions said he did not know. The official did not reveal what was the motive in this case and pointed out that the investigation is ongoing.
FBI Director Christopher Wray added that the suspect was identified by a fingerprint from an envelope sent to California Congresswoman Maxine Waters.
"We believe we have caught the right guy," Wray said, but refused to tell reporters whether the suspect is cooperating with law enforcement at this point.
Wray confirmed that there have been 13 parcels mailed to US former and current officials through the United States Postal Service. More packages containing potential explosives and the white powder may be still in transit, he warned.
The FBI is currently analyzing the devices in order determine whether they were functional, Wray noted stressing that the devices were not hoaxes and should not be treated as such.
Sayoc is reportedly a big supporter of the president based on alleged social media posts and photos of him at Trump rallies. According to the Huffington Post, law enforcement took possession of a van used by Sayoc that was covered in stickers supporting Trump and criticizing Democratic officials.
The targets of the explosive devices are all Trump critics including billionaire liberal donor George Soros, Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former intelligence chief James Clapper, the CNN news network, among others.
