A former stripper has pleaded guilty mailing explosives to prominent critics Donald Trump, including Hollywood star Robert DeNiro.
Cesar Sayoc, 57, admitted sending 16 devices "designed to look like pipe bombs" consisting of a plastic pipe filled with powder from fireworks and fertilizer, a digital clock and wires.
Sayoc listed the intended recipients of his packages, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, US Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, billionaire investor and Democratic donor George Soros , former CIA director John Brennan, actor Robert DeNiro and news channel CNN.
Sayoc, a part-time pizza deliveryman and grocery worker, was arrested in October after a four-day manhunt.
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At the time, he had been living in a white van plastered with pro-Trump stickers, the slogan "CNN SUCKS" and images of Democratic leaders with red cross-hairs over their faces.
All of his intended targets are either prominent Democratic politicians or critics of Trump.
A Brooklynite and registered Republican, Sayoc railed against Democrats, Muslims and liberals on Facebook and Twitter .
He had previously been arrested multiple times for domestic violence, theft and other charges, including threatening to bomb an electric company over a billing dispute.
Sayoc entered his plea before US District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan federal court, speaking in a halting, shaky voice that often dropped to a whisper.
After describing what he did, he broke down in sobs, for several seconds unable to speak.
"I know that these actions were wrong and I am extremely sorry," he finally said.
When the judge asked Sayoc whether he intended the devices to explode, or to kill or injure people, Sayoc said he did not.
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However, he admitted that he knew there was a risk they could explode.
All of the devices were intercepted before reaching their intended targets, and none went off.
In addition to using weapons of mass destruction, the charges include mailing explosives with an intent to kill or injure people or property, and conveying threats through interstate commerce.
Sayoc faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on September 12.
