New Yorkers near CNN told to take shelter after package threat

People gather outside the Time Warner Centre, in New York. A police bomb squad was sent to CNN's offices. Photo / AP

US news media stepped up security measures today after a suspicious package was found at CNN's New York offices, the latest in a string of incidents this week that also targeted former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and businessman George Soros.

The item was found in the news organisation's mailroom and the offices were evacuated as a precaution, CNN President Jeff Zucker said in a memo to staff. The network, which is owned by AT&T, has offices and studios in the Time Warner Centre in Manhattan, near Columbus Circle.

The San Diego Union-Tribune, that city's largest newspaper, also was evacuated today after police spotted suspicious-looking packages in front of the building. A hazardous-materials team was dispatched to the site, the paper reported.

The New York Times, based in midtown Manhattan, is taking additional security precautions, the company said in a memo.

"All incoming mail, including United States Postal Service, FedEx and UPS, in New York and in the Washington bureau, is sent through an X-ray machine before it is delivered," the New York Times said. "The mail delivery in New York today is complete and there were no suspicious packages detected."

The CNN package contained an explosive device and was addressed to commentator and former CIA Director John Brennan, the network reported, citing city and local law enforcement officials. Brennan has sparred with US President Donald Trump, who revoked his security clearance in August, accusing him of "erratic conduct and behaviour."

"We are working with authorities to determine the severity of the situation," Zucker said. "The NYPD is on scene, and we working closely with them to take every precaution. We are also checking all bureaus around the world, out of a complete abundance of caution."

As the device was removed from the building, the New York Police Department advised residents in the area to shelter in place.

.@jimsciutto and @PoppyHarlowCNN were anchoring when CNN was evacuated people had to leave very quickly so DC bureau took over - they’re now up on their phones but being pushed down the street by authorities pic.twitter.com/o2eVAEl9EQ

— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) October 24, 2018

The Secret Service said it intercepted potential explosive devices addressed to former President Obama and presidential candidate Clinton. It opened a criminal investigation into the incidents.

One device was addressed to the Clinton home in Chappaqua, a suburb about 65km north of New York City. The other was addressed to Obama in Washington.

The incidents followed an earlier discovery when police "proactively detonated" a pipe bomb found at a suburban New York residence owned by Soros, a billionaire philanthropist and Democratic donor.

A CNN producer tweeted that the device sent to the Time Warner Centre, where the cable network is located, was constructed with pipe and wires, citing a law enforcement source.

"We expect more information very soon, and we ask that you remain calm and patient," CNN's Zucker said.

- Bloomberg