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Clinton Campaign Responds to Hostage Situation, Cancels D.C. Appearance

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November 30, 2007 3:04 PM

ABC News' Jennifer Parker Reports: The presidential campaign of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., has responded to a reported hostage situation at the Senator's Rochester, New Hampshire campaign office.

"There is an ongoing situation in our Rochester, NH office," read a statement from the Clinton campaign. "We are in close contact with state and local authorities and are acting at their direction.  We will release additional details as appropriate."

Law enforcement sources tell ABC News' Pierre Thomas a man walked into Clinton's Rochester, New Hampshire office with what appeared to be a pipe bomb strapped to his chest demanding to speak to the Senator.

Clinton was not at the New Hampshire office at the time. She was scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Committee Fall meeting in the Washington, D.C., area, but canceled her appearance after learning about the situation.

"Unfortunately as some of you might know there is a hostage situation in New Hampshire involving a Clinton campaign staff person," DNC chair Howard Dean told the audience, "The details are sketchy at this time and understandably Senator Clinton is now dealing with this very difficult problem. She is not going to be able to join us today."

The Clinton campaign has 16 New Hampshire offices including the Rochester office. All of the Senator's campaign offices in Iowa, New Hampshire and elsewhere were closed.

ABC News' Kate Snow reports former President Bill Clinton is in New York and is in contact with the Senator. He has suspended his schedule.

At the Senator's residence in Washington, D.C., the lights are on as Secret Service agents stand by outside the entrance.

Staff at Clinton's Senate office on Capitol Hill closed and locked the doors as a precaution Friday afternoon. A uniformed Capitol Police officer was stationed outside the office door.

In New Hampshire, the Democratic Governor said he is monitoring the situation from the state Emergency Operations Center.

"This is a very serious ongoing situation," said Gov. John Lynch, D-N.H. "Law enforcement officials are coordinating closely and we are all hopeful for a quick, safe resolution."

ABC News' Kate Snow, Pierre Thomas, David Chalian, Eloise Harper, Toni Wilson, Matt Jaffe and Jackie Klingebiel contributed to this report.

November 30, 2007 in Bush, George W., Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (59)

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Did you ever think that maybe she cancelled her speaking engagement because she is worried about the people who work for her who are still being held hostage?!?!?!?

Posted by: Denise | Nov 30, 2007 3:46:04 PM

It's really sad no candidate is safe now and the working law enforcement is going to have a harder time protecting candidates. I really fell for the Federal, State County and City police and hope the have the equipment needed to do their jobs.

Posted by: Wanda | Nov 30, 2007 3:47:32 PM

Just one comment. I hope ALL there get out safe.

Posted by: The Senate are Crooks | Nov 30, 2007 3:49:04 PM

Andrew, THANK YOU for your observation re: Bush reading on 9/11. Would you mind, please, shouting that from the rooftops!!? So many people think he should have run screaming from the room or be flown directly to DC or NYC - as if he could single-handedly change the outcome. The object of the game is to prevent the President from harm. Nor can I see how having Sen Clinton rush to the scene would serve any purpose. Cancelling an appearance is not for her own personal safety but to at least 'show respect' for what is happening in NH.

Posted by: jennifer | Nov 30, 2007 3:50:25 PM

I took a photo of Hillary Clinton a few years ago while I was in DC. I happened to come across her and some fellow senators at a nearby park. I thought it strange how she only had one Secret Service agent with her. I was going to go for an autograph but opted for a picture. Her agent did get annoyed with me. I have her picture in my face!! Nevertheless, one agent?? Either brave or stupid......

Posted by: Joe | Nov 30, 2007 3:52:36 PM

And I'm an unabashed Hiliary supporter but that 'support' is not etched in stone. This is undoubtedly a test for her and if she 'fails' it then I will certainly reconsider my support for her. And you know, after all, in the classic 'blame the victims' republican 'katrinaesque' meme, "I do feel badly for these people but what were those campaign workers doing in that office anyways?"

Posted by: tontocal | Nov 30, 2007 3:54:44 PM

Anyone who uses this horrible incident to push their political views is a cold hearted person. That goes for people who support and are against Hillary. It's scary knowing that there are people out there who believe that their political views are more important than the lives of people in crisis.

Posted by: Andrew | Nov 30, 2007 3:55:26 PM

I beg... Please, Do not post more pictures with the ugly mug of Hillary... Its just disgusting.

Posted by: benjalamelami | Nov 30, 2007 3:57:55 PM

Why am I not surprised that some right wing whacko would take innocent workers as hostage?

Posted by: concordcan | Nov 30, 2007 4:05:04 PM

how can you see this as a test for Hillary?She canceleld her DC conference,and i am sure she will do what she can ,none knows what the issue is with this guy..Learn more about the situation before you criticize..

Posted by: CICI | Nov 30, 2007 4:06:23 PM

Anyone who uses hostile words to denounce an apparent target of an attack shouldn't be surprised when they are equated with the hostile actor who instigated this.

Posted by: ysbaddaden | Nov 30, 2007 4:19:31 PM

come on you guys you know bill& hill set this up them selves. for airtime and attention. it gets the media off the debate planting issue that's right in their lap.

Posted by: del | Nov 30, 2007 4:32:53 PM

cancelling her speech because of concern for others ? ? ? nope never crossed my mind, or hers you idiot those two will milk this to the hilt. Bill & Hill are behind every movement and action in this campain. you just wait they will come out saying see how she handled this dangerous situation.

Posted by: del | Nov 30, 2007 4:44:57 PM

an you imagine if she was already president and she is told that we have been attacked and there are thousands of Americans dead.....Let's face it ...She hasn't done anything about this one....GOD HELP US ALL AND THE WORLD IF SHE BECOMES PRESIDENT.

Posted by: Luciano | Nov 30, 2007 4:52:57 PM

grateful we have people like Hilary ? get your head out of your arm pits . they stage everything. remember the stones on the beach to form a cross. there wasn't any rocks on that beach for miles and miles. oh the dance , can;t forget the romanic dance. you libs are nuts.

Posted by: del | Nov 30, 2007 4:53:34 PM

Del my fellow American....You need to wake up and see people for what they are. The Clinton's are evil, corrupt, and won't stop at anything to get what they want. My God they even stayed together just for political reasons. You just wait if she wins or loses after she doesn't need old horny Bill anymore she will dump him as fast as she can.


Sorry to burst your bubble my friend :)

Posted by: Luciano | Nov 30, 2007 5:00:15 PM

anyone want to bet the intruder will end up being Bill & Hills longlost cousin. broke and needed work for a day. I'm already sick and tires of hearing the name on my radio bet I won't watch the news tonight either

Posted by: del | Nov 30, 2007 5:01:29 PM

I usually don't comment on any thing, I usually just read and continue about my biz..
But to see some one wants to know what they're doing in that N.H. office, I'd have to say doing the job that they was put on to do... The person had walked in and made the ofice by surprise....
I don't think it was a set up, but cant say that I'd put it pass any one to do such a thing, but it isn't in this situation, she's better than that

Posted by: Newnan,GA | Nov 30, 2007 5:01:43 PM

The intolerance of some people in this world is sick.

Posted by: hawkrew | Nov 30, 2007 5:03:41 PM

How sad that people would rather bicker while a troubling situation is taking place. We are so quick to label ourselves and point out differences. When will we ever learn that peace comes through unity and the common thread of our humanity. What effects one of us effects all of us.

Posted by: Jennifer | Nov 30, 2007 5:06:28 PM

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