Three people were killed and 134 injured in a series of explosions at the 116thannual Boston Marathon.
In two separate explosions that occurred a little after 2:50 p.m. Monday, around the fourth hour of the race, three people were killed and 134 are confirmed to be injured by Boston Police Commissioner, Ed Davis and the Associated Press as well as hospital officials in Boston, respectively.
Several hospitals in the Boston area have confirmed numerous amputations and life threatening surgeries. The Children’s Hospital has reported several children suffering severe injury ranging in ages from two to 12, and that one of the victims killed in the explosions was an eight-year-old boy
President Barack Obama issued a statement showing support and “use of any federal body needed” in upcoming investigations. Authorities have not ruled out that it was a terrorist attack.
The race was called off as soon as the bombs detonated. A thorough search of the area uncovered two undetonated devices beneath the grand stand. A third explosion is alleged to have occurred at the JFK Library, a short distance from the finish line of the marathon.
The JFK Library incident is the result of “an incendiary device or a fire” said the Boston Police Commissioner, Ed Davis. In addition the scene is not being treated as a related case.
“Attempts to congratulate family members who completed the race became attempts to help the wounded,” said Bostonian Rick Bilodeau. “My family was standing in the VIP grand stands and heard an explosion behind them and just knew they had to get out of there. Today was Patriot’s Day and that is a big deal here in Boston and its become tragedy. It was just scary. . . not knowing if your family was okay.”
Boston is currently in a state of emergency as declared by mayor, Thomas Menino. Several other cities across the United States have also declared heightened states of emergency and attention, including but not limited to Washington DC and New York City, New York, in lieu of any more potential attacks.
“The streets of Boston are in a panic, and we are currently on a recommended lock down.” said Jordan McLaughlin, a current Boston resident from Montgomery, Texas. “The streets and skies are filled with police [and] helicopters constantly circling the skies. The city of Boston is under distress and we are coming together more than ever.”
In this state of panic, Obama said, “We still do not know who did this or why . . . but make no mistake we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find who did this and find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”
Speaker of the House, John Boehner, has moved for the nation’s capitols to lower all flags to half mast tomorrow, in recognition of those whose lives were lost and those who have suffered at the hands of the unnamed attackers.
At this time Boston Police Department has no suspects in custody or under investigation. The number of victims is subject to change as the casualties suffered are still being tallied.