A man in Florida has been arrested in connection with the suspicious packages sent to high-profile Democratic officials.
The suspect in custody is Cesar Sayoc, a 56-year-old man living in Aventura, Florida, CNN reported Friday.
Sayoc — who allegedly sent pipe bombs to CNN, former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and other high profile Democrats earlier this week — has a criminal record and is a fervent supporter of President Donald Trump.
“Public records show that suspect Cesar Sayoc is a registered Republican with an extensive criminal history who appears to have owned a dry cleaning business and a catering business,” NBC News reporter Ken Dilanian confirmed on Twitter.
Public records show that suspect Cesar Sayoc is a registered Republican with an extensive criminal history who appears to have owned a dry cleaning business and a catering business.
— Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) October 26, 2018
CNN New Day executive producer Javier Morgado reported that Sayoc was arrested in 2002 by Miami police “for an offense described as a ‘threat to bomb’ and ‘threaten to discharge destructive device.'”
The suspect has been arrested a total of eight times in his life, for offenses of “grand theft, battery, fraud, drug possession and multiple probation violations.”
We do not know the details of the case but Sayoc pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year of probation. The records show a total of eight arrests for offense, including grand theft, battery, fraud, drug possession and multiple probation violations. 2/2 #serialbomber
— Javi Morgado (@javimorgado) October 26, 2018
Several news outlets broadcast images of Sayoc’s van, which was covered in pro-Trump and anti-Democrat stickers.
Among the pictures were Secretary Clinton, President Obama, left-leaning filmmaker Michael Moore and CNN contributor Van Jones, all with targets or crosshairs over their images. Another sticker read “CNN Sucks.”
MORE: Image taken at earlier date shows white van covered in decals of Pres. Trump, targets over the likenesses of Hillary Clinton, former Pres. Obama, filmmaker Michael Moore; it's believed to be same van at scene of suspect's arrest in Plantation, Fla. https://t.co/gsq71KV0gB pic.twitter.com/ysuk205JtT
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) October 26, 2018
As for what led authorities to the suspect, DNA evidence was reportedly found on one of the packages.
Trump addressed the arrest and bomb mailings in a press conference Friday, stating: “These terrorizing acts are despicable and have no place in our country. We must never allow political violence to take root in America. I’m committed to doing everything in my power as President to stop it.”
The president also encouraged Americans to “show the world we are united in peace and love and harmony.”
News of Sayoc’s arrest comes shortly after two additional packages were sent to Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
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