PAWTUCKET - Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Co-Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) issued the following statement today after the arrest of an individual suspected of targeting leading Democrats with pipe bombs sent through the U.S. mail:

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the men and women of the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Secret Service, the New York Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for their extraordinary efforts. They have worked relentlessly in recent days to identify and apprehend a suspect in this case. The individual arrested earlier is believed to have targeted multiple high-ranking Democratic officials and activists. Whether his goal was to spread fear or cause physical harm, his actions have no place in our country. All of us who serve in elected office have a responsibility to both elevate the political discourse and to condemn any attempts to use violence or the threat of violence against political opponents.  America must remain an example to the world of a vibrant, safe, and active democracy, free from political violence.”