http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-explosion_n_3086665.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-explosion_n_3086665.html)
QuoteTwo explosions rocked the Boston Marathon near the finish line, causing multiple casualties and sending the city into chaos. Another explosion occurred at the JFK Library, but authorities were unsure if the incidents were linked.
The blasts downtown in Copley Square occurred just before 3:00 p.m., according to MyFoxBoston.
The number of casualties changed rapidly throughout the afternoon. Two people were killed and twenty-three others were injured, according to a preliminary statement from the Boston Police Department. The number rose to more than 100 injured shortly after 5 p.m., the Boston Globe reported.
The first blast filled a spectator gallery near the finish line with a gray cloud of smoke. Screaming witnesses immediately fled the area. Ten seconds later, a second explosion jolted the crowd.
Streets reserved exclusively for runners filled with emergency crews, as first responders climbed fences to reach wounded athletes and spectators. Flags from nations represented in the race were thrown to the ground
Medical tents set up for runners are being used to treat individuals with injuries.
Police chief Ed Davis said that a third incident took place at the JFK Library in Boston.
"We are not sure if these incidents are related, but we are treating them as if they are," he said.
An unexploded device was also recovered, Davis said.
More than 27,000 runners participated in this year's Marathon, which takes places every year on Patriot's Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts.
QuoteBOSTON — .Two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing two people and injuring at least 23 others in a terrifying scene of broken glass, smoke and severed limbs, authorities said.
A third blast rocked the John F. Kennedy Library several miles away and more than an hour later, but no injuries were reported, police said. A senior U.S. intelligence official said two other explosive devices were found near the marathon finish line.
There was no immediate word on the motive or who may have launched the attack and authorities in Washington said there was no immediate claim of responsibility. Some 27,000 runners took part in the 26.2-mile race, one of the world's premier marathons.
The twin blasts at the race took place almost simultaneously and about 100 yards apart, tearing limbs off numerous people, knocking spectators and at least one runner off their feet, shattering windows and sending smoke rising over the street.
As people wailed in agony, bloody spectators were carried to a medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners.
Cellphone service was shut down in the Boston area to prevent any possible remote detonations of explosives, a law enforcement official said. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing.
Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis asked people to stay indoors or go back to their hotel rooms and avoid crowds as bomb squads checked parcels and bags left along the race route.
The Federal Aviation Administration barred low-flying aircraft from within 3.5 miles of the site.
"There are people who are really, really bloody," said Laura McLean, a runner from Toronto, who was in the medical tent being treated for dehydration when she was pulled out to make room for victims of the explosions. "They were pulling them into the medical tent."
About two hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
The Boston Marathon said that bombs caused the two explosions and that organizers were working with authorities to determine what happened. The Boston Police Department said two people were killed and 23 others injured. At least eight of the wounded were in critical condition, according to hospitals.
A senior U.S. intelligence official said the two other explosive devices found nearby were being dismantled. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the findings publicly.
A third explosion was heard about an hour after the first two after authorities warned spectators to expect a loud noise from a water cannon that police apparently were using to destroy one of the devices.
Competitors and race volunteers were crying as they fled the chaos. Authorities went onto the course to carry away the injured while race stragglers were rerouted away from the smoking site.
Roupen Bastajian, a 35-year-old state trooper from Smithfield, R.I., had just finished the race when they put the heat blanket wrap on him and he heard the first blast.
"I started running toward the blast. And there were people all over the floor," he said. "We started grabbing tourniquets and started tying legs. A lot of people amputated. ... At least 25 to 30 people have at least one leg missing, or an ankle missing, or two legs missing."
A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.
"There are a lot of people down," said one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg.
Smoke rose from the blasts, fluttering through the national flags lining the route of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon. TV helicopter footage showed blood staining the pavement in the popular shopping and tourist area known as the Back Bay.
Cherie Falgoust was waiting for her husband, who was running the race.
"I was expecting my husband any minute," she said. "I don't know what this building is ... it just blew. Just a big bomb, a loud boom, and then glass everywhere. Something hit my head. I don't know what it was. I just ducked."
Runners who had not finished the race were diverted straight down Commonwealth Avenue and into a family meeting area, according to an emergency plan that had been in place.
President Barack Obama was briefed on the explosions by Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco. Obama also told Mayor Tom Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick that his administration would provide whatever support was needed, the White House said.
been following all day.
definitely wait till they get real substantiated info on this one folks.
Yeah, I was listening to the news the last few hours and after nothing "new" I figured it was time to wait until more information became available. I'll check again before bed, and again in the morning. Damn shame, and I hope the investigation leads to something quickly.
Still too early to point fingers, but the most recent report says 3 confirmed dead and 113 injured. That's horrific, but it sounds as if it could have been even worse.
All I can say is :bluesad:
Not entirely similar, but it reminds me of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing during the 1996 games in Atlanta. I was there just days before the incident which killed 2 and injured 111. 3 pipe bombs in a field pack with nails was discovered but went off before security could get everyone out of there. The psycho that placed the bombs (Eric Robert Rudolph, who also bombed 2 abortion clinics and a nightclub) is still serving consecutive life sentences without parole. But like the Boston bombing, it sure could have been a lot worse.
The last NYC marathon was cancelled because of Sandy, so this might have been meant for that? That was someones speculation.
Those nut jobs at Westboro said that they will spread hate by picketing the bombing victims, Anonymous replied to this:
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/554825_558741784170721_915064154_n.jpg)
The police here won't protect them. I can't explain, it's a very old city
One day hell is going to open up and swallow WBC and all its members, and I think most REAL churches will probably break into cheers when it happens!
Quote from: indianasmith on April 16, 2013, 10:07:12 PM
One day hell is going to open up and swallow WBC and all its members, and I think most REAL churches will probably break into cheers when it happens!
Nah man, I think that someone or some group would burn down WBC housing, claiming that God made them do it, a middle finger to how f**ked up WBC is.
Along with the WBC, can we also get rid of all of the conspiracy thumpers?
<Sarcasm font> Apparently it as all a plot of the Government! </Sarcasm Font>
QuoteAlex Jones, a right-wing radio host, took to Twitter to express his sympathy for the victims—and to claim that the attack was part of a government conspiracy.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/false-flag-alex-jones-boston-marathon-bombing-family-231742713.html
I don't know much about WBC, but have they ever explained what good they believe they are doing by picketing the funerals of fallen military personnel, and now with this threat to picket the funerals of those killed in Boston? What are they hoping to achieve? I am mystified by the motivations of these individuals and fail to comprehend how they can see their own actions as anything but depravity.
And today, a bomb threat at the Federal Courthouse in Boston. I've been watching the local news and listening to local talk radio all day. So many opinions, so many screwy theories, so much misinformation (from local and national media). What a mess. But I'm proud to live in Massachusetts. And those WBC folks would be smart to stay away. There are plenty of salty Italian and Irish guys in Boston who won't tolerate WBC nonsense for more than 30 seconds.
Just got through listening to the story on NPR, or National Public Radio, less than three hours ago, and the police have a suspect in the case, who was caught by security cameras, leaving behind the package that contained the bomb. No more information on the suspect. That may come out in the FBI press conference that is to be held later today.
And because the London Marathon is this weekend, British law enforcement is stepping up security, including thinking about banning all non-runners from the area around the finish line. They are also coordinating with their counterparts here in the U.S. to prevent something similiar from happening in London.
More info as it happens.
http://imgur.com/a/sUrnA
^4chan working piece on Marathon. people with large backpacks are singled out. Who knows where they got this footage
Kevin- My understanding is they don't actually have a suspect.
Quote from: lester1/2jr on April 17, 2013, 05:05:50 PM
http://imgur.com/a/sUrnA
^4chan working piece on Marathon. people with large backpacks are singled out. Who knows where they got this footage
Kevin- My understanding is they don't actually have a suspect.
They definitely have a suspect on video. They just haven't arrested anyone yet.
This is incredibly depressing.
:bluesad:
Quote from: bob on April 18, 2013, 10:56:32 AM
This is incredibly depressing.
:bluesad:
What I find depressing is the hand wringing over this with no broader perspective in the dialog.
30,000 people are killed every year in the US due to bad driving. Yet, we call it 'accident' and ignore it.
There are 1-3 murders PER DAY in quite a few American cities...every, single day. But, we can ignore that, because it's not 'flashy news' like a bomb going off.
Over 100 killed in Gaza over a six day period in November, 2012.
Hurricane Mitch killed over 22,000 in Honduras and Nicaragua in 1998 in ONE DAY. Other natural disasters easily match and top this.
The world is a harsh place.
Any "hand wringing" associated with the Boston bombing comes not only from tragedy, arguably minor in comparison to other, greater losses of life, but from the sense of outrage that a such a violation of human decency brings with it. I imagine the victims find little comfort in knowing about deaths in Gaza, and a natural disaster is not the same as an act of deliberate homicide. I don't think I've "wrung my hands" once but I am angered that someone targeted people lawfully gathered on American soil, and I think the feeling is legitimate.
Quote from: ulthar on April 18, 2013, 11:38:15 AM
What I find depressing is the hand wringing over this with no broader perspective in the dialog.
30,000 people are killed every year in the US due to bad driving. Yet, we call it 'accident' and ignore it.
There are 1-3 murders PER DAY in quite a few American cities...every, single day. But, we can ignore that, because it's not 'flashy news' like a bomb going off.
Over 100 killed in Gaza over a six day period in November, 2012.
Hurricane Mitch killed over 22,000 in Honduras and Nicaragua in 1998 in ONE DAY. Other natural disasters easily match and top this.
The world is a harsh place.
The IRA used to say 'one bomb in London is worth 5 in Belfast' or something to that effect. Despite the fact that there are more deaths due to cars/drugs etc' in a year or what have you, the psychological impact of these events is why they are reported in the way they are and also why emotions tend to run a bit higher with such things. Part of that is also the fact that this is not a normal event: Murders and car accidents happen every day so we can accept them more as a part of life moreso than an event like this, hence the 'interest'.
It's also why similar bombings in Iraq/Somalia/Afghanistan aren't reported as highly in western mainstream media.
In any case, most sane people with any shred of empathy will all agree, no matter the circumstances any death is tragic and my heart goes out to all those affected by it, no matter the form it comes in.
I wouldn't expect something like this to happen in a place like Boston. I definitely understand Ulthar's point as well.
Overnight, the two suspects engaged Cambridge police in a firefight - one police officer is dead and one of the bombers has been killed; there is a door-to-door search underway for the other one. They are apparently brothers from Chechnya.
Quote from: indianasmith on April 19, 2013, 06:37:55 AM
1. one of the bombers has been killed;
2. there is a door-to-door search underway for the other one.
I will quote my Dad here:
1. Good. :thumbup:
2. Shoot the bastard, preferably in the head. :thumbup:
Quote from: Trevor on April 19, 2013, 06:56:03 AM
2. Shoot the bastard, preferably in the head. :thumbup:
Nah, we need a nice show trial to show everyone that we've captured him put him on trail then we're going to put him to death. . .
Now that I think about it, that will take years. On second thought, I'll agree with your dad on this.
interview with the uncle
http://www.buzzfeed.com/danoshinsky/boston-bombing-suspects-uncle-they-do-not-deserve-to-exist-o
The older brother Tamerlan who was killed this a.m. seems to be the instigator.
Quote from: Bushma on April 19, 2013, 08:03:30 AM
Now that I think about it, that will take years. On second thought, I'll agree with your dad on this.
Dad would always say that during the Rhodesian bush war and I know that he not only said this, but did it as well. :buggedout: No wonder he suffered from PTSD in his last years.
Quote from: indianasmith on April 19, 2013, 06:37:55 AM
Overnight, the two suspects engaged Cambridge police in a firefight - one police officer is dead and one of the bombers has been killed; there is a door-to-door search underway for the other one. They are apparently brothers from Chechnya.
Scratch one for the U.S. my man. That goes for the other one, I couldn't care whether he lives or dies.
Quote from: Trevor on April 19, 2013, 06:56:03 AM
I will quote my Dad here:
1. Good. :thumbup:
2. Shoot the bastard, preferably in the head. :thumbup:
A drink for you, Sehr geerte Herren! :cheers: :cheers:
They just arrested the other bastard.
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/378245_10201068845712367_1587574825_n.jpg)
Way to go Boston! You didn't bow down to fear.
The reason we want them alive is to establish a motive. Because it has been determined that they are Chechnyans, and Chechnyans have taken their struggle against the Russians to places other than Chechnya, is the motive of the two suspects in the bombing, just personal and local, here local being Boston, or is it something wider? Some motive that is international in scope to draw the world's attention to the struggle between Chechnya and Russia.
Because of the London marathon, I am almost certain that the officials there, when they learned that the two suspects here were Chechnyan, suddenly started taking a closer look at Chechnyan organizations and Chechnyans over there.
And I for one would also like to congratulate all the law enforcement here in the U.S. While, they did not prevent the bombing from happening, after the bombing, it did seem to be a short time till both suspects were killed and/or apprehended. Though, unfortunately, not before a law enforcement official was killed by the suspects.
Quote from: ulthar on April 18, 2013, 11:38:15 AM
Quote from: bob on April 18, 2013, 10:56:32 AM
This is incredibly depressing.
:bluesad:
What I find depressing is the hand wringing over this with no broader perspective in the dialog.
30,000 people are killed every year in the US due to bad driving. Yet, we call it 'accident' and ignore it.
There are 1-3 murders PER DAY in quite a few American cities...every, single day. But, we can ignore that, because it's not 'flashy news' like a bomb going off.
Over 100 killed in Gaza over a six day period in November, 2012.
Hurricane Mitch killed over 22,000 in Honduras and Nicaragua in 1998 in ONE DAY. Other natural disasters easily match and top this.
The world is a harsh place.
'
Not to mention 12 people being killed by a Muslim extremist at Fort Hood, and a President who calls it "workplace violence" instead of what it
really is for fear of offending a broader religious demographic.
Not being instigational, and with all due respect to the board, but Fort Hood WAS a terror attack. At least Congress was smart enough to call it a terror attack.
Quote from: BoyScoutKevin on April 20, 2013, 12:43:20 PM
The reason we want them alive is to establish a motive. Because it has been determined that they are Chechnyans, and Chechnyans have taken their struggle against the Russians to places other than Chechnya, is the motive of the two suspects in the bombing, just personal and local, here local being Boston, or is it something wider? Some motive that is international in scope to draw the world's attention to the struggle between Chechnya and Russia.
Because of the London marathon, I am almost certain that the officials there, when they learned that the two suspects here were Chechnyan, suddenly started taking a closer look at Chechnyan organizations and Chechnyans over there.
And I for one would also like to congratulate all the law enforcement here in the U.S. While, they did not prevent the bombing from happening, after the bombing, it did seem to be a short time till both suspects were killed and/or apprehended. Though, unfortunately, not before a law enforcement official was killed by the suspects.
I remember a few years back when there was a Chechen-themed attack in Russia that killed quite a few people at a stadium or some place, and a few other attacks against Russian military personnell. I believe the Chechens also had (or have) some presence in Afghanistan, as well as having some ties to either Bosnian Serbs or Croats. Either way they're a busy bunch who have seriously been overlooked in the broader picture of terror attacks.
Chechens have attacked rock concerts and other public events in Russia regularly.
Also "Watertown police chief: older brother was alive-being cuffed on the ground. Younger brother then backed over him, killing him."
ponder that for a moment
Quote from: The Burgomaster on April 17, 2013, 03:50:01 PM
But I'm proud to live in Massachusetts. And those WBC folks would be smart to stay away. There are plenty of salty Italian and Irish guys in Boston who won't tolerate ...
As well you should be proud.
I'm a Southern Boy, and I confess having never really held the NE region in as high esteem as it SEEMS to hold itself.
However, last year I made my first trip to Boston. I'm not a fan of big cities...done my time in them...but Boston was kinda cool.
Here's to your salty Irish guys, and a wonderful city, and the city not taking any sh&t from outsiders ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-64CaD8GXw
Quote from: lester1/2jr on April 20, 2013, 04:40:32 PM
Also "Watertown police chief: older brother was alive-being cuffed on the ground. Younger brother then backed over him, killing him."
ponder that for a moment
Pondering.......... :thumbup: :teddyr: :teddyr: :teddyr: :teddyr: :teddyr:
Quote from: ulthar on April 21, 2013, 07:50:18 PM
Here's to your salty Irish guys, and a wonderful city, and the city not taking any sh&t from outsiders ...
Amen! :thumbup: :cheers: