Monday, April 15, 2013

At least two dead, 80 injured after bombs at Boston Marathon - Jonas Portillo


At least 80 people are injured and two dead after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon. The injuries include dismemberment, witnesses said. An eight year old child is one of the two known dead, multiple news outlets reported. Authorities are telling Boston residents to stay home and avoid crowds as they try to "stabilize" the situation. "We recommend to people that they stay home," Davis said at a brief press conference Monday afternoon. "We want to make sure that we completely stabilize the situation." "We are asking that people ... calmly make their way home," Gov. Deval Patrick said. Davis said Boston police were not aware of any specific threat to the marathon before it began. Police have no one in custody, but are questioning many people. Two large explosions, just 50 yards apart, went off shortly before 3 p.m. ET, more than four hours into the race. One of the explosions happened near the entrance of the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Copley Square. The blast scattered hundreds of onlookers and runners, and left a bloody scene of injured spectators, including children. Local news reporter Jackie Bruno wrote that she saw some people with their limbs blown off. The Boston Police Department said it is looking for video footage taken from the finish line as part of its investigation. Boston Medical Center took in 20 patients, including two children, most of whom are being treated for "lower leg injuries," a spokeswoman said. Brigham and Women’s Hospital took in 26 patients, with two of them in critical condition and approximately 10 in serious condition. President Barack Obama warned Americans in a brief statement Monday evening not to jump to conclusions before authorities find out who committed the act. "We will find out who did this," Obama said. "Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice." NBC News, citing anonymous law enforcement sources, reported Monday that a "small homemade bomb" is believed to be responsible for the explosion. The AP reported that at least two more explosive devices were found by authorities, who are dismantling them. The FAA has created a no-fly zone around the area, and the Boston subway was shut down. Cell phone service was shut down in the area, the AP reported, to prevent any remote detonations. Family and friends of marathon runners or spectators can call 617-635 4500 for information. This video from the Boston Globe shows the moment the bomb went off. According to marathon officials, several thousand runners had not finished the race when the explosions detonated. Police have evacuated the area on Boylston Street to continue sweeping for more devices. Runners who had not yet finished the race were stopped at mile 25 and directed to Boston Common. The Boston Police Department is calling in all off duty officers in the city. This New York Times map shows where on the route the explosions took place. Patrick called it a "horrific day in Boston" in a statement. The New York Police Department is stepping up security around the city in response to the explosion. At the White House, yellow police tape was used to block off Pennsylvania Avenue from pedestrians in front of the White House's north gates and secret service were positioned along the perimeter. Credentialed pass holders continued to be permitted entry and exit from both the White House and the Executive Office Building.

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