Bomb sent to Barack Obama's office, Clinton home; CNN’s NY office evacuated

New York, Oct 24: Explosive devices were sent to former president Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and CNN offices in Washington and New York, triggering an investigation on Wednesday into whether a bomber is targeting figures who were the subject of right-wing anger.

The official said the device was similar to one found at the home of billionaire philanthropist George Soros on Monday.

An official said investigators believe the explosives to be linked. The official wasn't authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, Associated Press reported.

The motive of the would-be bomber or bombers remained unclear, one of the officials said, adding that there had not yet been any claim of responsibility.

The US Secret Service, which guards serving and past presidents and their families, said the packages were intercepted and none of them reached the principals. The agency described the packages as "potential explosive devices".

New York police confirmed to AFP that its officers had been called to the Time Warner Center, where the CNN bureau in the US financial capital is located, to investigate reports of a suspicious package.

New York Police Commissioner James P O'Neill said,''NYPD and our law enforcement partners responded to reports of a suspicious package at CNN. Officers identified the device that appeared to be a live explosive device. NYPD bomb squad secured the device & removed it for investigation.''

''Additionally, there was an envelope containing white powder, discovered as part of that original packaging. We're investing that right now. We found no additional threats besides the white powder. NYPD is currently deploying resources around the city,'' said New York Police Commissioner.

''NYPD's chief of counterterrorism says the explosive device sent to CNN's headquarters in New York appeared to be sent by the same person who mailed pipe bombs to George Soros, Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama,'' The Associated Press reported.