Flake condemns bomb threats: We have to ‘tone down the rhetoric’

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake (R) cautioned Americans to “tone down” political rhetoric that could encourage violence on Wednesday after explosives were mailed to former President Barack Obama, the Clinton family, other Democratic politicians and CNN.

Flake told reporters on Wednesday that both sides bear responsibility for heated political rhetoric,  which he linked to the suspicious packages.

{mosads}”Well obviously, it’s horrible,” Flake said. “Any time anybody is threatened like this, it’s not good.

“There’s been a lot of this going around lately,” he added. “But we need to tone down the rhetoric. Both sides. We gotta see people as opponents, not enemies.”

in reaction to the news of suspected explosive devices mailed to several high profile democrats including former Pres. Obama and Sec. Clinton, Senator @JeffFlake says both sides need to tone done the rhetoric pic.twitter.com/UQFacaL8tQ

— Alexandra Limon (@AlexLimonNews) October 24, 2018

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Flake, denounced the attempted bombings.

“These attempted attacks that have been made are beyond criminal, they are acts of pure terror. Violence and terror have no place in our politics or anywhere else in our society,” said House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), who was shot last year by a gunman at a practice for the congressional baseball game.

“Those responsible for these evil acts of terror must be hunted down and brought to justice, and I have great confidence that our law enforcement officers will succeed in that mission,” he added. “As a nation, we must agree that this is a dangerous path and it cannot become the new normal.”

Those responsible for these evil acts of terror must be hunted down and brought to justice, and I have great confidence that our law enforcement officers will succeed in that mission. As a nation, we must agree that this is a dangerous path and it cannot become the new normal.

— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) October 24, 2018

Wednesday’s reports of explosive devices and suspicious packages came a day after an explosive was found outside the home of George Soros, a liberal billionaire.

The White House denounced the attempted attacks in a statement Wednesday from press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, which was retweeted by President Trump.

“We condemn the attempted violent attacks recently made against President Obama, President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, and other public figures. These terrorizing acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” she said.