First, Catch the Perp

Whoever’s behind these “pipe bombs” is maliciously twisted and plainly out to cause a media frenzy — but it’s far too soon to assume much more. Yet a lot of people who should know better have already written the whole script.

CNN’s on-screen chyron for much of Thursday was “Manhunt for serial bomber going after Trump’s targets.” Huh? Yes, the Trump-vs.-CNN feud is epic, and Rep. Maxine Waters is an over-the-top critic of President Trump. But Joe Biden (for one) is hardly a main subject of the president’s ire. They’re “Trump’s targets” because they’re his political opponents?

The network’s John King went on-air to declare that no one’s blaming Trump. Yet the headline running on-screen as he spoke was “CNN: Trump has no plans to claim any personal responsibility for inciting se- rial bomber” — clearly implying he is to blame.

As for all the other partisans insisting the motive is clear: Recall that the FBI finally closed its “Amerithrax” case by fingering a scientist whose motive was mercenary, not ideological.

Similarly, the author of hundreds of threats against Jewish schools and community centers after the 2016 election turned out to be . . . a disturbed Israeli kid. And the guy behind the 1996 Olympic Park bombing ended up being an anti-abortion nut.

Maybe the “MAGAbomber” hashtag will turn out to be just right — but it’s ridiculous to be certain about anything yet.

The feds have a ton of forensic evidence, and look to have traced the packages to Florida. Let’s concentrate on catching the perp instead of playing finger-pointing games.