For Immediate Release: Oct. 24, 2018

Contact: Jennifer R. Farmer, jfarmer@faithinaction.org

WASHINGTON – In response to reports that suspicious packages, which were later deemed functional explosives, were sent to the homes and offices of several Democratic officials, and at least two media outlets (CNN and San Diego Times Union), Faith in Action Executive Director Alvin Herring today released the following statement:

“We are deeply concerned about the suspicious packages, which likely contained pipe bombs, sent to Democratic officials such as former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder, Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Senator Kamala Harris, actor Robert DeNiro, and former CIA Director John Brennan, whose package was sent to CNN’s 10 Columbus Circle location in New York City. Prominent philanthropist George Soros also received a suspicious package, as did the San Diego Times Union.

The terroristic packages come during a time of heightened anti-immigrant and anti-media rhetoric. Politicians have created a climate of fear of the “other” and that fear has been stoked by those who choose the path of hate rather than love, acceptance and reconciliation.

“No one in this country should be targeted because of their political affiliation, their religious affiliation, their gender or sexual identity or the color of their skin.

“It is not too late to reverse course and build the beloved community, but achieving such harmony requires active participation from leaders at all levels of government. The antidote to such barbaric acts is to change course, pursue radical love and bridges to healing, not roads to destruction.”

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