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The Florida man who federal authorities have arrested in connection with a string of homemade bombs sent to outspoken critics of President Donald Trump is linked to  Twitter accounts that show support for top state Republicans and disdain for Democrat Andrew Gillum.
Recent activity in what appear to be two social media accounts of suspect Cesar Sayoc Jr., 56, of Aventura, paints a picture of a staunch supporter of Trump and Ron DeSantis, the GOP nominee for governor who the president has endorsed, as well as Republican Gov. Rick Scott. Other posts vilify Gillum, Tallahassee's mayor, who is locked in a fierce gubernatorial contest with DeSantis.
A Wednesday post included an anti-Gillum meme with the caption "$500,000 SOROS PUPPET" and a photo of the liberal philanthropist George Soros, who has contributed to Gillum's campaign and had a bomb delivered to his home this week, holding a puppet meant to resemble Gillum.
A day earlier, a meme posted on a second Twitter account falsely asserted Gillum, and African-American candidate, wants “his people” to get “paid back” for slavery. Others poke fun at Gillum for using the “race card” in his bid for governor and falsely state Gillum has vowed to “make Florida a sanctuary state for illegal aliens.”
In a statement, Gillum said there is "no evidence" that his political offices were targeted by Sayoc, adding that the campaign is in close contact with the authorities as the situation unfolds.
"It is fortunate that the evil intent of the bomber has not been realized. I call on all political leaders to cease the dangerous rhetoric of hatred and division that is poisoning our society," Gillum said in a statement.
More:Man in custody in relation to the 12 bomb-like packages identified as Cesar Sayoc
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DeSantis also condemned the actions of the suspect.
"Violence and threats of violence have no place in our society and I applaud our law enforcement personnel for acting swiftly," DeSantis said. "This is a good versus evil issue, and when you send a pipe bomb through the mail you choose evil."
Jamie Van Pelt, Gillum’s chief of staff, said he is not aware of Soyak ever attempting to make any contact with the mayor through City Hall, but the city is screening for any connections.
More:Suspect identified: What we know now about the 12 suspicious packages
More:Trump praises law enforcement for apprehending suspect in suspicious package case
Gillum’s high-profile status as a gubernatorial candidate and his attacks on the Trump administration also have prompted city officials to work closely with the Tallahassee Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure all incoming mail to City Hall is clear of any suspicious devices.
“As you may have seen in the news today, suspicious packages were sent to some media outlets and political figures around the nation,” City Manager Reese Goad said in an email to staff on Wednesday. “While there is no known threat currently in Tallahassee, we are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.”
More:Incoming Tallahassee City Hall mail being scanned by law enforcement for bomb threats
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