Firebombs tossed into Missouri congressman’s office? FBI investigating

The FBI is investigating the early Thursday discovery of two broken liquor bottles resembling Molotov cocktails at the Kansas City, Mo., offices of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Officials are examining evidence that includes a surveillance video of the one-story building, at 101 W. 31st St., FBI spokeswoman Bridget Patton told the Los Angeles Times. “We have no arrests yet, but we are very early in the investigation,” she said.

The incident was reported at 2:52 a.m. and officers responded to an intrusion alarm, according to the Kansas City police report, which outlines what it calls an attempted arson.

“Upon arrival, they observed a window on the northwest side of the building to be broken out. On the ground below the window, they observed two broken bottles with paper towels sticking out the necks of the bottles. There was a chemical odor resembling that of lighter fluid,” according to the city police.

The only damage appeared to be the broken window.

“This is the second incident within the last six years,” John Jones, Cleaver’s chief of staff said in a prepared statement. “The Kansas City police have completed their initial survey of the scene and we await their report. None of the staff was in the building, and because Congress is in session, Congressman Cleaver is in Washington.”

Officials said there were no arrests in the other incidents.

All of Cleaver’s offices were open as usual Thursday. The Democratic congressman sought to minimize the event.

“Folks, my staff is safe and law enforcement is investigating. Focus today should be on greater things,” says a tweet sent from Cleaver’s account.

“Let’s not dwell on a small incident that happened and hurt no one,” Cleaver said in another tweet. “Thoughts, prayers are w/the families & friends of those killed on 9/11.”

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