Trump campaign chief apologizes for email criticizing CNN in wake of evacuation

Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale on Wednesday apologized for an email sent by the campaign earlier that day criticizing CNN.

The email, which was sent after CNN had been evacuated due to a suspicious package, attacked the network and featured a “media accountability survey,” which purported to help fight “fake news’ attacks” and “bias against hardworking Americans.” The email was signed by Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law and senior adviser to his reelection campaign.

{mosads}Parscale said in a statement to CNN that the email “unfortunately was a pre-programmed, automated message that was not caught before the news broke.”

“We apologize for this,” Parscale added. “We in no way condone violence against anyone who works for CNN, or anyone else.”

Trump’s 2020 campaign manager apologizes for email sent out earlier today in Lara Trump’s name that criticized CNN and said the media needed “a wake up call.” Brad Parscale says it was “a pre-programmed, automated message” and they don’t condone violence against CNN or anyone. pic.twitter.com/cKCBR5oioO

— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 24, 2018

Almost 2 hours after CNN was evacuated, the Trump campaign sent this email, signed by Lara Trump. The email attacks CNN and includes a “media accountability survey.” These emails are always setup in advance, but most campaigns put a hold on emails when there is breaking news pic.twitter.com/Cf1zSC49Tw

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) October 24, 2018

CNN’s New York City office at the Time Warner Center was evacuated Wednesday after it received a suspicious package with a possible explosive device addressed to former CIA Director John Brennan.

Similar packages were mailed to a number of Democratic politicians, including former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Obama. Authorities have said the devices were similar to one found earlier this week at the home of George Soros, the prominent Democratic donor. 

The White House on Wednesday morning condemned the attacks. President Trump said later that afternoon at a White House event that “acts or threats of political violence of any kind have no place in the United States of America.”