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Twitter users spot apparent ISIS flag on CNN pipe bomb

Law enforcement is trying to understand who is behind the attacks.

 

David Gilmour

Tech

Posted on Oct 24, 2018   Updated on May 21, 2021, 3:19 am CDT

CNN chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta shared an image of the pipe bomb sent to the network’s New York City studio on Wednesday morning. Twitter users quickly spotted what appears to be an Islamic State flag on the device.

In the photograph, the explosive can be seen resting next to the brown envelope in which it was mailed, addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan, who has appeared on CNN as a commentator.

By zooming in on the image, several keen-eyed Twitter users were able to make out the black flag of the infamous Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS. Photos on Twitter show what looks like the flag’s white logo and text on a black background taped to the device.

https://twitter.com/lachlan/status/1055153997823336448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Some prominent right-wing commentators and news outlets quickly promoted the observation.

Others users are skeptical that the emblem is a clue to who might be behind the bomb, suggesting instead that the flag is there to mislead.

The bomb, which investigators say was delivered by courier, is one of several that were intercepted on Wednesday. Packages containing potential explosives were sent to high-profile Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and another was discovered at the offices of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). 

Wasserman Schultz’s name and address was given on the CNN’s suspect parcel as a return address.

The U.S. Secret Service described the devices as “rudimentary but functional” and pipe bomb-like, containing explosive powder and projectiles like shards of glass.

Law enforcement agencies are still working to identify who might be behind the string of attacks.

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*First Published: Oct 24, 2018, 3:21 pm CDT