Manhunt: CNN’s Anderson Cooper says he got package from fugitive

CNN newsman Anderson Cooper received a package thought to be from the ex-Los Angeles police officer-turned fugitive Christopher Dorner a week before the massive manhunt that has gripped Southern California.

“Learned today suspect Christopher Dorner sent me a parcel at CNN. Inside was a note, DVD, and a coin shot thru with bullet holes,” Cooper said in a Twitter message Thursday.

Cooper was one of several news personalities praised in the lengthy manifesto that authorities said was published on what they believe is Dorner’s Facebook page. The manifesto encouraged a return of a national ban on assault rifles and complimented First Lady Michelle Obama on her new bangs.

PHOTOS: Manhunt for ex-LAPD officer

“Actually, I learned today, just today, that the suspect -- the suspect, Christopher Dorner, mailed me a parcel at my office here at CNN in New York,” Cooper told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room” show Thursday afternoon.

“Apparently, the package arrived on the 1st of February. It was not opened by me. I did not know of its existence until today. Inside the package was a hand-labeled DVD with a yellow Post-It Note, reading, in part, quote, ‘I never lied,’ apparently in reference to his dismissal from the LAPD in 2008.”

The coin in the package was wrapped in duct tape which had a hand-written inscription: “Thanks, but no thanks, Will Bratton,” a reference to the former LAPD chief.

“The staff, my staff at “360” and CNN management and myself were made aware of this package just today,” Cooper said. “And upon, obviously, learning this exists, we alerted Mr. Bratton and law enforcement.

TIMELINE: Manhunt for ex-LAPD officer

Cooper also acknowledged advice the manifesto had given him about refraining from nagging guests on his show. “It’s a very strange thing,” Cooper said. “I just, frankly, learned about this contact he attempted to make just several hours ago.”

The manifesto also praised comedian Ellen DeGeneres and local Los Angeles newscaster Pat Harvey.

“Pat Harvey, I’ve always thought you carried yourself professionally and personally the way a strong black woman should. Your articulation and speech is second to none. You are the epitome of a journalist/anchor. You are America,” the manifesto said.

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