FBI investigating cyber intrusion of Democratic party organisation.
Chaos broke out ahead of the US Democratic party convention on Monday as protesters jeered the party chairwoman over leaked e-mails showing Democratic officials worked to undermine Bernie Sanders in his presidential primary battle with Hillary Clinton.
Hours before the start of the four-day gathering to nominate Ms Clinton for the White House, outgoing Democratic national committee head Debbie Wasserman Schultz struggled to be heard above boos as she spoke to the Democratic delegation from her home state, Florida.
Protesters held up signs that read “Bernie” and “E-MAILS” and shouted “Shame”, as she spoke. Others at the meeting cheered and clapped for Wasserman Schultz, who is stepping down over the e-mail controversy. She promised to work hard for a Clinton victory over Republican Donald Trump in the November 8 election.
“You will see me every day between now and November 8 on the campaign trail,” she shouted over the noise of the crowd.
It was an embarrassing prelude to the convention in Philadelphia, which Democratic officials had hoped would convey no-drama competence in contrast to the volatile campaign of Mr Trump. The New York businessman was formally nominated for President at a chaotic Republican convention in Cleveland last week.
At least one national opinion poll showed Mr Trump benefiting from a convention “bump” and pulling just ahead of Ms Clinton, having lagged her for months.
The cache of e-mails leaked on Friday by the WikiLeaks website disclosed that DNC officials explored ways to undercut Mr Sanders’ insurgent presidential campaign, including raising questions about whether Mr Sanders, who is Jewish, was an atheist.
Wasserman Schultz resigned on Sunday, effective at the end of the convention, after the leak of more than 19,000 DNC emails put the spotlight back on Mr Sanders’ failed bid to win the nomination and in particular on his complaints during the campaign that the party establishment was working to undermine him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Monday that it was investigating the nature and scope of a cyber intrusion at the Democratic national committee disclosed in June.
“A compromise of this nature is something we take very seriously, and the FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace,” the FBI said in a statement.
