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Boston Marathon bombing

Coordinates: 42°20′59.2″N 71°04′44.1″W / 42.349778°N 71.078917°W / 42.349778; -71.078917
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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Olli (talk | contribs) at 05:13, 16 April 2013 (what is a disaster, if this is not? at least 144 injuries, and 3 deaths... this is disaster !). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2013 Boston Marathon bombings
Part of the aftermath of the bombings
LocationBoston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Coordinates42°20′59.2″N 71°04′44.1″W / 42.349778°N 71.078917°W / 42.349778; -71.078917
DateApril 15, 2013 (2013-04-15)
2:50 p.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
Attack type
Bombing
Deaths3
InjuredAt least 144[1]
PerpetratorsUnknown

The 2013 Boston Marathon bombings occurred on April 15, 2013, when two bombs were detonated during the Boston Marathon at approximately 2:50 p.m. EDT (18:50 UTC) on Boylston Street near Copley Square, just before the finish line.[2] The blasts killed 3 people and injured at least 144 others.[1] There are currently no suspects.[3]

Attacks

Map showing site of first (right) and second (left) blasts

Two bombs went off within 550 feet (170 m) of each other, killing 3 people and injuring at least 144.[1][4][5][6][7] Video from the finish line shows a period of about 12 seconds between the two blasts, the first occurring outside Marathon Sports at 671 Boylston Street, the second about two blocks farther away from the finish line.[1][8] The race clock at the finish line was showing 04:09:43 (4 hours, 9 minutes, and 43 seconds since the third wave, or group, of runners started the marathon) at the time of the first explosion.[9][10] The winners had crossed the finish line about two hours earlier; other runners were still coming across.[8] Storefront windows nearby were blown out,[8] and a window on the third floor of the Boston Public Library was damaged.[11] Law enforcement officials said that they believe the explosions were caused by homemade bombs[12][13] that were packed with metal ball bearings that acted as destructive shrapnel.[2] There had been no prior indications of an imminent attack.[2]

Victims

Three people were confirmed dead, one of whom was an eight-year-old boy.[14]

Local hospitals reported that they were treating numerous injuries, some of them grievous. Eight hospitals report that they have treated or are treating at least 124 people. Of those, at least 15 are in critical condition.[15] Some witnesses have described victims with injuries from shrapnel such as ball bearings.[12] Over 100 were being treated at various facilities.[5] Twenty-two of the injured were treated at Massachusetts General Hospital,[16][17] 10 at Boston Children's Hospital,[18] 9 at Tufts New England Medical Center,[19] about 20 at Brigham and Women's Hospital,[20][21] and 20 at Boston Medical Center.[21] At least 10 of the injured suffered severed limbs.[5][12][22]

Hazmat team on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall at 3:45 pm EDT

Response

Rescue workers, bystanders, and runners rushed to try to help the wounded in the immediate aftermath. Flights were temporarily suspended at Logan International Airport. Several cities in and out of Massachusetts put their police forces on alert.[23]

Additional explosive devices

Numerous suspicious packages or bags were discovered.[24][25] The Boston Police Bomb Squad performed a controlled explosion of one of the packages on the 600 block of Boylston Street.[26]

According to reports 2[27] or 3[28] and as many as 5 [29] additional explosive devices were discovered in the area but the Wall Street Journal is reporting that police now doubt the devices are bombs.[30]

Emergency response

Emergency services working after the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings

The marathon was abruptly halted. Police, following emergency plans, diverted the remaining runners away from the finish line to Boston Common or Kenmore Square.[2][31][32] The nearby Lenox Hotel was also evacuated.[2] Police closed down a 15-block area around the blast site.[11] Massachusetts National Guard units already on scene joined local authorities in rendering aid.[2] Bomb squads searched the area.[5] Many bystanders had dropped backpacks and other bags as they fled, requiring each to be treated as a potential bomb.[11] The police commissioner, Ed Davis, strongly recommended people to stay off the streets.[11]

As a precaution, the FAA restricted airspace over Boston, and issued a ground stop for Boston's Logan International Airport.[33][34][35] Some Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority service was halted.[8]

United States Attorney General Eric Holder directed that the "full resources" of the United States Department of Justice be brought to bear on investigating the explosions.[2] In New York City, counter-terrorism vehicles were deployed to landmark sites in Manhattan.[25]

The New York Police Department increased security at hotels and other places.[36] Security was also increased in Washington, D.C., and the White House was partially evacuated,[2] while Pennsylvania Avenue was cordoned off by the United States Secret Service.[37]

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency suggested people trying to contact those in the vicinity use text messaging, instead of voice calls, because of crowded phone lines.[8] The Red Cross is helping concerned friends and family receive information about runners and casualties.[38] Cell phone service in Boston was congested but still in operation.[39] The Boston Police Department set up a helpline for people concerned about relatives or acquaintances to contact and a line for people to provide information.[40] Google Person Finder activated their disaster service under Boston Marathon Explosions to log known information about missing persons as a publicly viewable file.[41]

The Navy sent one of its bomb-disposal units to Boston to assist local authorities.[42]

The Boston Bruins home game scheduled for April 15 was postponed to a future date, and the Boston Celtics home game scheduled for the next day was canceled.[43]

Political response

U.S. President Barack Obama receiving word of the bombings
U.S. President Barack Obama delivering a statement on the bombings.

President Barack Obama addressed the nation three hours after the attack.[44] He said that, while the perpetrator(s) were still unknown, the government would "get to the bottom of this" and that those responsible "will feel the full weight of justice".[45]

Speaker John Boehner ordered flags on the U.S. Capitol to be flown at half-staff for victims of the attack.[46]

International response

Organizers of the upcoming London Marathon subsequently reviewed their security arrangements, despite no specific threats against the event.[47] Security measures have been increased worldwide as a response to the explosions in Boston.[48]

Investigation

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, who are investigating the attack along with the CIA and National Counterterrorism Center,[49] is treating the bombings as a terrorist attack, though no perpetrator has officially been identified.[7][50]

Boston police commissioner Edward Davis said at a 6 p.m. press conference, "There is no suspect in custody."[51] Following this statement, several people who were near the scene of the blast and the surrounding area were taken into custody and questioned about the bombings.[52][53] As of 8 p.m., on April 15, a 20 year old Saudi citizen was being questioned at Brigham and Women's Medical Center in Boston, but is not listed as a suspect, however reportedly not free to leave.[54] Sources such as The New York Times asserted that while no perpetrators or suspects had been identified, the April 15 tax deadline and Patriots' Day are both associated with violent acts in the past by "radical American anti-government groups".[11][55]

Early in the morning on April 16, police were searching an apartment in the nearby Boston suburb of Revere. Police pulled over a suspicious driver who drove past the State Police barracks a number of times after the bombings. They are searching the driver's home because he acted nervous according to officials.[56][57][58][59]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "3 killed, more than 140 hurt in Boston Marathon bombing". CNN. April 15, 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Levs, Josh (April 15, 2013). "Deadly bombs strike Boston Marathon; authorities discover more bombs". CNN. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  3. ^ "In Boston attack, a reminder of the difficulty in foiling terrorist plots". Washington Post. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  4. ^ "Boston explosions: People warned to stay indoors". BBC News. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d Abel, David (April 15, 2013). "Explosions rock Boston Marathon finish line; dozens injured". The Boston Globe. Boston.com. Retrieved April 15, 2013. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Winter, Michael (April 15, 2013). "Deaths, injuries reported after Boston Marathon blasts". USA Today. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "At least 2 dead, dozens hurt after two bombs explode at Boston Marathon". Fox News Channel. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  8. ^ a b c d e McClam, Erin (April 15, 2013). "Explosions rock finish of Boston Marathon; 2 killed and at least 23 hurt, police say". NBC News. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  9. ^ "Explosions at Boston Marathon Injure Dozens". National Post. April 15, 2013.
  10. ^ CNN video replay
  11. ^ a b c d e "Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 3 and Maim Dozens". New York Times. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  12. ^ a b c Sherwell, Philip and Swain, John (April 15, 2013). "Boston Marathon explosions: two dead, 23 injured as 'bombs' hit race finish line". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved April 15, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Maresca, Cara. "Patriots' Day: Waco, Oklahoma City, Columbine, and now Boston". MSNBC. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  14. ^ "3 Dead, At Least 130 Hurt In Explosions At Boston Marathon Finish Line". CBS Boston. April 15, 2013.
  15. ^ "Boston Marathon bombing kills 2, injures over 120". Yahoo.News. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  16. ^ "Boston Marathon incident updates". Massachusetts General Hospital. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  17. ^ "Boston Marathon Explosion: Headquarters On Lockdown Following Blast Near Race Finish Line". The Huffington Post. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  18. ^ Boston Children's Hospital, Update from Boston Children's Hospital April 15, 2013 April 15, 2013.
  19. ^ Winter, Michael (April 15, 2013). "At least 2 dead, 23 hurt by Boston Marathon blasts". USA Today. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  20. ^ "Update on Public Emergency - Monday, April 15, 2013". Brigham and Women's Hospital. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  21. ^ a b "Terrorism strikes Boston Marathon as bombs kill 2, wound dozens". CNN. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  22. ^ Goldstein, Sasha (April 15, 2013). "Boston Marathon explosions kill two, injure dozens; Two more devices found and are being dismantled – NY Daily News". Daily News. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  23. ^ Christopher Dickey - Many Cities on Alert After Boston Bombing - Patriot's Day Bombing - The Daily Beast - Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  24. ^ "Deadly Blasts Rock Boston". Wall St. Journal. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  25. ^ a b "At least 2 dead, dozens injured after huge explosions rock Boston Marathon". Fox News Channel. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  26. ^ "Police will have controlled explosion on 600 block on Boylston Street". Boston.com. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  27. ^ http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/news/features/top-stories/stories/wsyx_us-official-2-additional-explosive-devices-found-near-boston-marathon-23238.shtml
  28. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/16/explosion-reported-near-finish-line-boston-marathon-spokesman-says/#ixzz2Qb3csDNu
  29. ^ http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022681963
  30. ^ http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323346304578424950102614148.html
  31. ^ "Boston Marathon Explosion Video Footage (GRAPHIC VIDEO, LIVE UPDATES)". The Huffington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  32. ^ "Boston Police, EMS and Fire Boston Marathon Explosions Response Radio Transmissions". Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  33. ^ "At least 2 dead, 23 injured in explosions reported at Boston Marathon". PRI. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  34. ^ "2 dead, more than 100 hurt from Boston Marathon bomb blasts". WMBF. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  35. ^ "3/2050 NOTAM Details". Federal Aviation Administration. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  36. ^ "Boston Marathon Blasts Kill 2, Police Say". New York Times. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  37. ^ "Obama Calls Mass. Officials After Explosions". TIME. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  38. ^ "Live Updates: Explosions at Boston Marathon – Live stream from scene". The Washington Times. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  39. ^ "Cellphone use heavy, but still operating in Boston". Associated Press.
  40. ^ "Boston Marathon Explosions: Third Blast". Sky News. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  41. ^ "Google Person Finder: Boston Marathon Explosions". April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  42. ^ "NAVY BOMB UNIT SENT TO BOSTON". Associated Press. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  43. ^ Morton, Victor (April 15, 2013). "Boston Bruins' NHL game, Celtics' NBA contest cancelled in blast aftermath". The Washington Times. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  44. ^ "Explosions hit Boston Marathon". BBC. April 15, 2013.
  45. ^ "Boston Marathon bomb blasts kill 2, injure dozens". CBC News. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  46. ^ "After Boston blasts, Obama vows to get answer". USA Today. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  47. ^ "London to review marathon security". 3 News NZ. April 16, 2013.
  48. ^ Boston Marathon: Security beefed up worldwide after deadly blasts Associated Press. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  49. ^ "Thomson ReutersApril 15, 2013 23:30 Investigators scour video, photos for Boston Marathon bomb clues", Global Post, Thomson Reuters
  50. ^ Goldman, Russell (April 15, 2013). "LIVE UPDATES: Boston Marathon Explosion – ABC News". ABC News. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  51. ^ "Boston Police Commissioner: 'There Is No Suspect In Custody'". Talking Points Memo. April 15, 2013.
  52. ^ Miller, John. "Authorities question Saudi national in Boston attack". CBSNews.com. CBS. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  53. ^ Nelson, Steven. "Boston Police: 'We Are Questioning Many People'". US News. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  54. ^ "3 dead, including child, in bombings;at least 134 others hurt at Marathon". bostonglobe.com. April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
  55. ^ "Patriots' Day: Waco, Oklahoma City, Columbine, and now Boston", MSNBC
  56. ^ "Large police presence in Revere connected to Boston bombing". Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  57. ^ "Death toll at 3 in Boston Marathon bombing seen by White House as terrorism". Fox News. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  58. ^ O'Ryan, Johnson (April 15, 2013). "Boston cops, feds descend on Revere buildings". Boston Herald. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  59. ^ Golen, Jimmy (April 15, 2013). "Boston Marathon Bombing Kills 3, Injures Over 140". ABC News. Retrieved April 16, 2013.

External links

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