CNN offices evacuated in bomb scare just as Trump tweeted 'ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE' about media he doesn't like
Caller claimed five explosives had been placed in New York building
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump launched his latest attack on the media just as the offices of CNN, frequently the target of his anger, were being evacuated following a bomb threat.
Police searched the broadcaster’s New York newsroom after a caller claimed five explosives had been placed inside the building. Officers later gave the all-clear.
Moments after the threat, which CNN said came just before 10pm, the president wrote on Twitter: “FAKE NEWS - THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!”
There is no suggestion he had seen reports of the evacuation when he posted the tweet, which followed posts in which accused the FBI of pursuing a "witch hunt" against him.
But the apparent coincidence is likely to reignite concerns about Mr Trump’s anti-media rhetoric.
Earlier this year, CNN and several high-profile critics, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, were targeted with mail bombs allegedly sent by a Trump supporter.
New York Police Department said the latest threat against the broadcaster on Thursday night proved to be hoax.
Police said they received an emergency call about the threat at 10.07pm local time (3.07am GMT), a minute before Mr Trump’s tweet.
Staff evacuated the Time Warner Centre and Don Lemon's CNN Tonight was taken off the air as officers searched the building with a bomb squad on standby.
The network broadcast pre-recorded programming for about 30 minutes before Mr Lemon’s show resumed live from the street outside.
No bombs were found inside the building.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments