Nov 30, 2007 10:04am

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

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.

User Comments

Now is Hillary’s “moment of truth”. She is telling us she is tough and ready for any emergency. It is irrelevent why the person is causing this problem, it is of major relevency as to how Hillary will handle it. So far (12;10 pm PST) she as not gone to the site, called the person or done anything!!! Well, we’ll see………

Posted by: Virginia | November 30, 2007, 10:14 am 10:14 am

How do you know what Hillary has done Virginia? You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that things are going on behind the scenes that aren’t being reported. She cancelled her speech and is communicating with police, etc. as she should be…not continuing to read a book to school children ala George W on 9/11…

Posted by: Cindy | November 30, 2007, 10:21 am 10:21 am

Virginia, that is ridiculous. You expect Sen. Clinton to enter the office? Call up a man with a bomb strapped to his chest? Her campaign has handled the situation very well, as have all the law enforcement officials in the area.

Posted by: Taylor | November 30, 2007, 10:22 am 10:22 am

Well said, Cindy…. :-) There are so people out there enjoy dwelling in HATE just so that they can feel a bit more “righteous”…. Hillary, we love you and we support you!!! :-)

Posted by: Tommy | November 30, 2007, 10:24 am 10:24 am

This is not a Hillary issue…this a law enforcement issue.

Posted by: Barry | November 30, 2007, 10:24 am 10:24 am

I’m not sure what Mrs. Clinton is supposed to be doing here. Why would she go to the site?! It’s dangerous for anyone to be there. And I’m sure the police have advised her not to. Yes it is a good time for her to show what she is made of, but going to the scene or trying to call this idiot would be rediculous.

Posted by: abigale1972 | November 30, 2007, 10:25 am 10:25 am

I hope the hostages are OK. I am excited to see how Hillary Clinton handles this. With the utmost efficiency no doubt.

Posted by: Truth789 | November 30, 2007, 10:27 am 10:27 am

Hey Virginia….she isn’t even in the state of NH

Posted by: Chris | November 30, 2007, 10:28 am 10:28 am

HATE, Tommy?! I think the dems have done enough of that towards Bush for everyone the last seven years…

Posted by: Jimmy | November 30, 2007, 10:29 am 10:29 am

Hillary Clinton will handle this well and will give a good indication of how our next president will run America..

Posted by: AmericanBeauty07' | November 30, 2007, 10:30 am 10:30 am

I’m definitely not a Hillary supporter, but I don’t think she should be giving in to the demands set by this person. I don’t know what she is doing or not doing, but way too early to make comments about it one way or another based on your bias opinions. We should all hope that this issue gets resolved without anyone getting hurt, no matter who you support or not support. Don’t make this more than what it is.
Cindy on the other hand, seems to want to spin things around to support her negative feelings toward Bush. Whether he read books to schoolchildren or not on 9/11 had nothing to do with what happened that day or the outcome.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not everyone is entitled to their own truth.

Posted by: Andrew | November 30, 2007, 10:32 am 10:32 am

Why is Hillary cancelling her event in DC when the problem is in New Hampshire? Her safety is not the issue. She has Secret Service protection. The bomb is several hundred miles away. I don’t get it.

Posted by: Sean O'Brien | November 30, 2007, 10:32 am 10:32 am

look for her to spin and take credit if things end peaceably or use it to stage how she would do things differently if she were in charge if they don’t

Posted by: Louis | November 30, 2007, 10:34 am 10:34 am

Anyone who tries to politicize this situation is WRONG! And beyond that…to think how a candidate “handles” this situation is any indication of how good a president that person would be is plain foolish. FYI…Hillary is not a negotiator for the Rochester Police Department. And please not another comparison to 9/11.

Posted by: Barry | November 30, 2007, 10:34 am 10:34 am

Well said Andrew.

Posted by: Shanna | November 30, 2007, 10:38 am 10:38 am

This should NOT be funny!!! SHAME on YOU who laughed!!! At the time of crisis, despite the difference in POLITICAL BELIEF, we should send our regards. It”s sad that Obama”s and Edward”s followers, just like their “leaders” – acting like Republican haters, are mocking the sitution….. Hillary, you and your voluteers shall be in my prayer.

Posted by: Tommy | November 30, 2007, 10:38 am 10:38 am

To the contrary Andrew, I harbor no negative feelings toward Bush nor anyone else. Of course, we are all entitled to our opinions…

Posted by: Cindy | November 30, 2007, 10:39 am 10:39 am

I think everybody else has pretty much called out Virginia for her complete ignorance so I’ll skip that. my comment is for Jimmy: I personally am tired of being refered to as a “dem” or “lib” simply because my views are more moderate than most Republicans. I am an independent who WILL vote Democrat this time around. I don’t think that people personally “hate” Bush – just what he stands for, the damage he has caused to this country, his arrogance, etc. If you can’t see that, you must be watching too much Fox News.

Posted by: judy | November 30, 2007, 10:39 am 10:39 am

I smell a Bush operative.

Posted by: LongT | November 30, 2007, 10:40 am 10:40 am

In general, people are stupid.
What more evidence is there than the posts made to this very blog?

Posted by: Barry | November 30, 2007, 10:43 am 10:43 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:46 am 10:46 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:47 am 10:47 am

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

Posted by: The Senate are Crooks | November 30, 2007, 10:49 am 10:49 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:50 am 10:50 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:52 am 10:52 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:54 am 10:54 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 10:55 am 10:55 am

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

Posted by: benjalamelami | November 30, 2007, 10:57 am 10:57 am

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

Posted by: concordcan | November 30, 2007, 11:05 am 11:05 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:06 am 11:06 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:19 am 11:19 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:32 am 11:32 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:44 am 11:44 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:52 am 11:52 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 11:53 am 11:53 am

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 | November 30, 2007, 12:00 pm 12:00 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 | November 30, 2007, 12:01 pm 12:01 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 | November 30, 2007, 12:01 pm 12:01 pm

The intolerance of some people in this world is sick.

Posted by: hawkrew | November 30, 2007, 12:03 pm 12:03 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 | November 30, 2007, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm

What do you expect her to exactly do, strap on a bullet-proof vest and grenades and bust into the place Die Hard-style?

Posted by: Michael | November 30, 2007, 12:11 pm 12:11 pm

LOL@ Jennifer better give her a m-16 too LOL

Posted by: Newnan,GA | November 30, 2007, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm

I heard Hillary was on a rocket ship headed towards Mars

Posted by: RNH | November 30, 2007, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm

All of you ultra conservative republicans should just get over yourself. I am sure that Hillary will do what is best…..but it’s really the FBI, Police etc…..that will be handling the situation. George Bush has pratically destroyed the country and you people have the nerve to complain about Hillary Clinton. All of you should bow your heads in shame that Bush is our President and Leader. He’s a real embarassment to himself and this country. We are in the worst shape we have ever been in and he will leave a legacy of utter destruction, excessive debt that we will never ever be able to pay off and the list goes on. All of you conservative Republicans need a serious reality check. Get your heads out of the sand. I am not a fan of Hillary but I am sure she will do the right thing with the help of law enforcement. People should not be so quick to criticize without knowing all the facts first.

Posted by: Faye Mitchell | November 30, 2007, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm

Well said Faye

Posted by: Newnan,GA | November 30, 2007, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm

w might have some burnt out bulbs and not be shining very bright, but look at the clintons reign of corruption in alabama – drugs, prostitution, scandals, missing and murdered people – they have negatively impacted more americans than bush. there is only one honest politician this year.
VOTE FOR EDWARDS!

Posted by: johnnie | November 30, 2007, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm

Queen hillary will do tomorrow just what she’s doing today. Hiding behind a locked door Taking credit for all thats going on around her. All she has to do is go to the law officals on the scene talk to the man and all over, but then she will lose her free coverage.

Posted by: William F. E. | November 30, 2007, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm

This is serious. I am sure Hillary is not publicly going to do anything as to prevent an escalation of the situation…
A republican would personally charge the front door, with an AK 47, and shoot everyone.

Posted by: Joe | November 30, 2007, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm

Amen

Posted by: Newnan,GA | November 30, 2007, 12:36 pm 12:36 pm

The Hostage situation in N.H. is exactly what I predicted last week. Last week, I was reminded about JFK and how he stood for CHANGE; just like Obama and Hillary. At that moment, another thought, “What if some insane person decides to use violence to stop CHANGE from happening?” I know that no matter what happens, CHANGE is inevitable. I really believe in my heart of hearts that it’s time for America to move in NEW direction.

Posted by: Sandy | November 30, 2007, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm

It would be refreshing to see someone else. In the beginning of this week, I say that if I have to choose between Bush endorsing Hillary or Oprah endorsing Obama, I would chose Obama. To be fair, I decided to look at the advantage of Bush (REPUBLICAN) joining forces with Hillary (DEMOCRAT). If Hillary wins, maybe, just maybe, our extremely divided Congress might become ONE. For too long, the House of Representatives has been divided. Division is not in the best interest of the People. It is said, “United we stand, DIVIDED we fall.”

Posted by: Sandy | November 30, 2007, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm

I don’t think we are falling, we’re just at the point of the last minute do something deal and we are out of time , do u hear the buzzer

Posted by: Newnan,GA | November 30, 2007, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm

She borrowed Bush’s favorite book, “My Pet Goat” and is hiding in an undisclosed location.

Posted by: TexBork | November 30, 2007, 1:19 pm 1:19 pm

Hillary will handle this issue just as she has handled other high profile issues in the past; with grace and dignity. We admire and support you, Hillary!

Posted by: Carolyn S. | November 30, 2007, 1:23 pm 1:23 pm

Anti Senator Clinton/President Clinton posters are out in droves behaving their worst at bashing when innocent people’s lives are at stake…even when an innocent child is in the mix here ! ! !
Reminds me of when limbaughtimized talk radio attempted to humiliate someone stricken with Parkinson’s.

Posted by: zabra29B | November 30, 2007, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm

Time to really around poor Hillary! She handled this so well, it proves she should be president. What, with a suicide bomber and all and Howard Dean said she was handling it… Wow! She really is another Clinton Comeback Kid!

Posted by: TexBork | November 30, 2007, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm

There were no bombs, this individual only had flares. Bet someone will now say we have to ban flares.

Posted by: Tess, California | November 30, 2007, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm

hillary is a liar and an oppertunist. im sure that when her supporters were being held hostage, she was thinking…”hmmmmm will this help my campaign or hurt it?”

Posted by: geo | November 30, 2007, 5:40 pm 5:40 pm

Hillary detractors are sick and mean. This is not even an issue about Hillary. The issue is the safety of the hostages who are ordinary Americans who happen to support Hillary in her quest for the Presidency. Their safety is more important than any DNC meeting. Her concern for her staff is commendable. Hillary detractors, you are all ignorant good for nothing nincompoops, mean and rude simpletons and just plain oafs.

Posted by: swissdiver | November 30, 2007, 7:59 pm 7:59 pm

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