US ‘pipe bombs’: Cesar Sayoc pleads guilty to using weapons of mass destruction – By Sky News Staff (Sky News) / March 21 2019
At one point dissolving into tears, Cesar Sayoc said he is sorry for his actions and he did not mean to harm anyone.
Cesar Sayoc has pleaded guilty to posting “pipe bombs” to Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump
The 57-year-old entered his plea in Manhattan, speaking in a shaky voice that at times fell into a whisper.
He admitted to sending 16 devices “designed to look like pipe bombs” consisting of a plastic pipe filled with powder from fireworks and fertiliser, a digital clock and wires.
Image: Cesar Sayoc in an artist’s sketch during an earlier court appearance
At one point, Sayoc began to cry. He said: “I know that these actions were wrong and I am extremely sorry.”
He said it was not his intention for the devices to explode, kill or injure people – but acknowledged he knew there was a risk they could explode.
Sayoc, who had been working as a part-time pizza deliveryman, grocery worker and is a former stripper, faced charges of using weapons of mass destruction, mailing explosives with an intent to kill or injure people or property, and conveying threats through interstate commerce.
He was charged after his fingerprint was found on one of the devices.
Image: Sayoc shared a picture of himself wearing a ‘MAGA’ hat. Pic: Cesar Sayoc
Thirteen explosive devices were sent to several high-profile figures, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Robert De Niro.
All of the devices were intercepted before reaching their intended targets and none exploded.
Sayoc faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on 12 September.
