After several package bombs were sent to influential Democrats and the CNN office in New York, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) thanked law enforcement for intercepting the packages before they reached their targets.

“I am grateful to the brave law enforcement authorities who protected the lives of individuals targeted by bombs sent to their homes,” Schakowsky said in a statement on Wednesday. “I hope that the individuals responsible for targeting news bureaus, private citizens and former elected officials are caught immediately and held accountable.”

Over the span of three days, pipe bombs were sent to the homes of former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as billionaire George Soros and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, (D-Calif.), CNN reported. A package addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan was sent to CNN offices in New York.

Each package listed Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s (D-Fla.) district office in Florida for the return address. A package — meant for former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder — was sent to Wasserman Schultz’s office because the original address was incorrect, according to the New York Times.

The FBI is currently investigating the various packages.

“While we do not know who is behind the current terrorist actions, hateful language, name-calling and rhetorical targeting of the media and public officials help raise tensions, tempers and divisions,” Schakowsky said. “Ending that behavior is a necessary first step to restoring an atmosphere in which political and policy differences can be voiced without running the risk of violence.”

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @alliejennaphoto