During the 117th running of the Boston Marathon, two explosions adjacent to the finish line would injure dozens, and kill at least two verified victims.
Several of the runners in the marathon had already completed the race and were off the course, as other runners continued the race when two bombs detonated simultaneously.
Boston area hospitals would report dozens of victims being admitted for injuries ranging from scrapes and bruises to deep lacerations and cuts.
Police would find unexploded devices in the immediate area of the explosions, and conduct controlled explosions to prevent any further injuries. A source within the Boston Police Department has stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is treating these explosions as a verifiable terror threat.
Police telling people on scene of Boston Marathon #explosions to not use cell phones because could set off other devices
— ABC News (@ABC) April 15, 2013
Other cities such as New York and Washington D.C. have increased security around subway lines, major buildings and hotels. President Obama has contacted both the Mayor of Boston as well as the Massachusetts governor, expressing concern and offering assistance.
Boston officials reported there was a third explosion at the JFK library, and they are unsure whether this is related to the explosions at the Boston Marathon.
Boston Police Department are currently reviewing surveillance footage of the explosion and surrounding areas. The Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms agency has been brought in by Boston city officials to assist in the investigation of the bombings.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has stated that officials are treating the third explosion at the JFK Library in Dorchester as directly related to the marathon explosions.
Boston Fire Commissioner Ed Davis recently stated that many dozen bags and parcels have been dropped along the race route, and that each should be considered dangerous until they are examined by explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
Attorney General Eric Holder has stated that the full resources of the Department of Justice will be made available to assist in the investigation of the explosions. Eye witness reports made have stated that they saw little bullets flying through the air, which turned out to be shrapnel were seen and deposited into the clothing of those surrounding the explosions.
UPDATE: At 4:37 p.m. EST, Boston Police have stated that a possible suspect has been identified and is being held at an unnamed Boston area hospital.
UPDATE: At 5:08 p.m. EST, Boston communications officials have stated that cellular phone service in the Boston-metropolitan area has been shut down to prevent any remote detonations of yet to be found explosives.
UPDATE: At 5:15 p.m. EST, Fox News has verified and confirmed that a man of Saudi Arabian descent is being held at a local Boston-metropolitan area hospital that is believed to be directly involved in the explosions.
UPDATE: At 5:20 p.m. EST, Massachusetts General Hospital has confirmed that they have admitted 22 patients, 6 in critical condition, 4 of which have suffered leg amputations.
UPDATE: At 5:38 p.m. EST, Boston Police Department announce that all victims have been removed from explosion area.
UPDATE: At 5:41 p.m. EST, Officials from Verizon and Sprint release statements saying that no order of cellular service shutdown had been requested of their companies.
UPDATE: At 5:48 p.m. EST, The White House announced that President Obama will address the nation at 6:10 p.m. EST.
President Obama: “Michelle & I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.”
— The White House (@whitehouse) April 15, 2013
UPDATE: At 5:58 p.m. EST, Boston Fire Commissioner Ed Davis states that the explosion at the JFK library was that of an incendiary device, and that the link between the JFK library explosion and the bombs at the marathon site might have been premature. Commissioner Davis also stated there is NO SUSPECT IN CUSTODY.
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