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The Latest: FBI recovers 2nd package sent to Trump critic

MIAMI (AP) - The Latest on pipe bombs sent to critics of President Donald Trump (all times local):

3:50 p.m.

Billionaire Tom Steyer says he's thankful that law enforcement officials recovered a second package addressed to him that appears similar to those containing pipe bombs that were sent to prominent Democrats.

Steyer released a statement Friday, a day after the package was recovered at a postal facility near San Francisco. It was the second package sent to Steyer intercepted by federal officials in recent weeks.

Authorities have said both packages are similar to packages that contained explosives that were sent to critics of President Donald Trump.

Fifty-six-year-old Cesar Sayoc has been charged with sending more than a dozen explosive packages.

Steyer says the "threats are not isolated" and they are part of a "larger assault on the norms that uphold our democracy."

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3:45 p.m.

The FBI says it has recovered a second package sent to billionaire Tom Steyer that appears similar to pipe bombs that were mailed to prominent Democrats.

The FBI says the package was recovered Thursday night at a postal facility near San Francisco.

Steyer had previously been sent a similar package that was intercepted Oct. 26.

Fifty-six-year-old Cesar Sayoc is charged with mailing explosive devices to prominent Democrats, critics of President Donald Trump and media outlets.

Steyer has campaigned for months for Trump's impeachment.

Sayoc is accused of sending at least 15 improvised explosive devices. He was arrested a week ago outside a South Florida auto parts store.

Sayoc's appeared in federal court in Miami on Friday. His lawyers said they would not seek his release on bail for now.

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12:15 p.m.

Pipe bomb suspect Cesar Sayoc has agreed to be transferred to New York to face charges of sending explosive devices to prominent Democrats, critics of President Donald Trump and media outlets.

Attorneys for Sayoc said Friday in Miami federal court that it's better if his lawyers in New York can take the case as soon as possible. They could still seek a bail hearing there, but prosecutors say he should remain jailed, given the magnitude of the charges and the strong evidence against him.

attorney James Benjamin says: "We wanted to make sure that all of his constitutional rights were preserved. We feel we've done all we can."

The timing of the transfer is uncertain. It could happen quickly or take weeks.

In this courtroom sketch, Cesar Sayoc, second from right, appears in federal court, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Miami. Sayoc is accused of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats around the country. A judge will hold a hearing Friday on whether Sayoc can be released on bail. (Daniel Pontet via AP) The Associated Press
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