Mayor Wheeler: Man Accused Of Mail Bombs Researched Him, FBI Says

PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler says that he's been warned by the FBI that accused pipe bomber Cesar Sayoc had researched him as well as locations associated with him. Sayoc is accused of mailing 14 pipe bombs to critics of President Trump.

He was arrested last week.

Wheeler had said earlier this week that he'd been alerted by a media report that he'd been of interest to Sayoc.

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On Tuesday, he elaborated.

"Our office was recently informed by the FBI that the pipe bomb suspect, did in fact research me and locations possibly associated with me," Wheeler said.

"Our security team is aware and we are taking extra precautions regarding our safety."

A Twitter account believed to be Sayoc's responded to a Wheeler tweet last July that said Portland is and will remain a sanctuary city."

"We Unconquered Seminle Tribe will answer your threats," Sayoc's account responded. "We have nice Air boat tour lined for you real soon here on our Swamp Everglades..

"We will see you real soon."

A spokeswoman for the FBI in Portland, Beth Anne Steele, tells Patch that while they can't comment on the specifics of what Wheeler said, they work closely with local law enforcement to assess threats.

"FBI Portland's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) works daily with Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police and other local law enforcement agencies to identify, assess and address potential threats to the community,: she told Patch. "Sometimes that work takes the form of criminal prosecution, and sometimes it involves a holistic response including diversion with the help of families, school officials and/or mental health providers.

"We take all threats of violence seriously, and we encourage the community to report anything of concern to us or to our local partners."

Law enforcement sources tell Patch that the FBI made a list of about 100 people – including elected officials, journalists and commentators, and celebrities –whose names and addresses were found in Sayoc's van.

The FBI has been methodically letting those people know that their names had been in Sayoc's possession.

Photo via Office of Mayor Wheeler.