NBC News Reporter Blames Fox News for Suspect Mail Bomb Attacks

“Never forget that Sean Hannity was literally tying Hillary Clinton to actual Satanism three days before the 2016 election,” says Ben Collins

Ben Collins
MSNBC

NBC News reporter Ben Collins blamed Fox News and the conservative media after a series of suspected package bombs were sent to a number of high-ranking politicians, including former President Obama and Hillary Clinton.

“There will be a rush to pin these mailbombs on extremist talking points from fringe websites like 4chan and Qanon-adjacent communities on Reddit and Facebook,” said Collins in a tweet Wednesday. “But Soros, Obama and the Clintons have been viewed as the root of all evil on talk radio and Fox News for over a decade.”

“Extremist talking points may get workshopped on fringe sites, but they’re platformed on and reach the most dupes on Fox News. Never forget that Sean Hannity was literally tying Hillary Clinton to actual Satanism three days before the 2016 election,” Collins continued, and linked to piece he wrote for the Daily Beast about how Fox News host Sean Hannity claimed the Clinton campaign “worshiped Satan.”

“I can’t think of three more ‘normie’ targets for someone duped by talk radio and Fox News’ Hierarchy of Evil, in order, than Soros, Clinton and Obama,” he said. “This reeks of boomer conspiracy theorizing so far, radicalization that could’ve happened without a decent internet connection.”

Collins declined to comment and a rep for Fox News did not immediately respond to request for comment from TheWrap.

In a statement, circulated internally, the company condemned the attack and stood by CNN.

“We condemn all attempted acts of violence against media organizations and our thoughts are with CNN for the safety of all of their employees,” it read in part.

A similar device was also sent to CNN’s New York City headquarters at the Time Warner Center — prompting the evacuation of the entire building.

“We are working with authorities to determine the severity of the situation. The NYPD is on scene, and we [are] working closely with them to take every precaution,” said CNN boss Jeff Zucker in a memo to staff Wednesday. “We are also checking all bureaus around the world, out of a complete abundance of caution.”

CNN crime and justice reporter Shimon Prokupecz said on air Wednesday that the authorities believed the device sent to CNN might have be a pipe bomb.

“What raised the alarm bell was when they X-rayed the package they found what looked like metal material, perhaps a pipe bomb. We’ve talked about other pipe bombs or bombs inside of metal construction that’s been delivered at other locations,” said  Prokupecz. “Then also we’re being told there were wires. What appeared to be wires inside this package.”

The White House also moved swiftly to condemn the attack, with Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump tweeting out their condemnation.

“We condemn the attempted attacks against fmr Pres Obama, the Clintons, @CNN & others,” said Pence in a tweet. “These cowardly actions are despicable & have no place in this Country. Grateful for swift response of @SecretService, @FBI & local law enforcement. Those responsible will be brought to justice.”

“I agree wholeheartedly,” Trump added in a quote tweet.

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