CNN offices evacuated after bomb threat
NEW YORK: CNN’s New York offices were evacuated Thursday night after a bomb threat, but no explosive was found and police later gave the all clear, the network said.
The roughly 90 minute drama recalled a similar evacuation in October after an explosive device was discovered at CNN’s New York headquarters.
Fire alarm bells rang inside the newsroom to signal an evacuation shortly after 10.30pm, CNN said on its website, as the network went to pre-taped programing.
An hour later the network was broadcasting from Skype.
“People just tuning in wondering whyyou’reseeingmeonSkype,why there’s such technical difficulties, it’s because we have been taken off the air because a bomb threat was called in to CNN,” said host Don Lemon.
“We were evacuated and we know as much as you do.”
“Due to a police investigation at Columbus Circle, West 58th Street between8thand9thAvenueisclosed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic,” the New York Police Department tweeted, referring to the address of the news organisation’s offices. “Please avoid this area. Update to follow.”
Around midnight, CNN said police had given the all clear for people to go back into the building. The bureau was previously evacuated in October after a package with an explosive device was discovered.
CNN was targeted amid a wave of pipe bombs sent to opponents of President Donald Trump.
A Florida man named Cesar Sayoc was arrested for allegedly sending them and was indicted on 30 federal counts. He faces up to life in prison if convicted. — AFP
Trump to pick State Dept spokeswoman Heather Nauert as UN envoy
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is set to name State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert as the next US ambassador to the United Nations, according to multiple reports.
If confirmed by the Senate, she would take over from outgoing ambassador Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation in October without offering details on why.
Numerous reports in the US media – the first of which appeared in Bloomberg news – said Nauert would be nominated Friday, citing sources close to the matter.
Nauert, 48, has been touted for the post since November.
Trump told reporters last month the former Fox News anchor was “under very serious consideration.”
He added: “She’s excellent, she’s been with us a long time, she’s been a supporter for a long time, really – excellent.”
Nauert joined the Department in April 2017.
She has served under two secretaries of state – Rex Tillerson and her current boss Mike Pompeo – and was designated acting undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs from March to October 2018. — AFP State