Authorities arrest Florida man in mailed pipe bombs case

The U.S. Justice Department says a man is in custody in connection with pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats.

Officials have located 12 devices over the past week, with targets including Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.

A manhunt was underway for the person responsible.

Police say 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc of Aventura, Florida was arrested Friday.

Speaking at the White House Friday afternoon, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest and committed to stopping political violence from taking root.

“The bottom line is Americans must unify and we must show the world that we are united together in peace and love and harmony as fellow American citizens,” Trump said.

“There is no country like our country and every day we are showing the world just how truly great we are.”

Earlier in the day, Trump referenced the bombings on Twitter Friday, saying the scare was distracting from the midterm elections.

Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this “Bomb” stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows – news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on. Republicans, go out and vote!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 26, 2018

Law enforcement officers were seen examining a white van Friday, its windows covered with an assortment of stickers, in the city of Plantation, Florida.

Officials covered the vehicle with a blue tarp before removing it from the Florida neighbourhood where it was found.

Law enforcement officials have not said whether the van in question was connected to the person taken into custody.