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Obama’s Trying Not To Panic: Won’t Call Boston Attack A Terrorist Attack–2 Bombs, 2 Killed, Hundreds Wounded
by Monica Davis
The nation is reeling over the latest terror attack that President Obama won’t call a “terror attack”. What else was it? Domestic terrorists or the foreign variety, people were still maimed and killed.
One hundred ten were killed, including one child. Federal law enforcement officials are in a state of heightened alert, as are large metro police departments around the nation.
A third explosion went off at the JFK Library. No one was hurt and authorities don’t believe the bombs were related.
Meanwhle, back at the White House, President Obama told the nation:
We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake — we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we’ll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.
Today is a holiday in Massachusetts — Patriots’ Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.
You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We’re still in the investigation stage at this point. But I just want to reiterate we will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable. SOURCE
We don’t know much about the attack. We don’t know who is responsible, or why, but here’s a quick run down of the sequence of events.
Boston Marathon
Two bombs went off “within seconds” and 50 to 100 yards (46–91 m) of each other, killing at least two people and injuring at least 100.[8][9][10][7][11] Video from the finish line shows a period of about 20 seconds between the two blasts, the first occurring outside Marathon Sports at 671 Boylston St.[12] The race clock at the finish line was showing 04:09:43 at the time of the first explosion, which was within minutes of the 2012 Boston Marathon‘s peak time for marathon finishers.[13][14] The winners had crossed the finish line about two hours earlier; other runners were still coming across.[12] Storefront windows nearby were blown out.[12]
Law enforcement officials told the NBC network that they believed that at least one blast was the result of a homemade bomb.[15][16] There were no credible threats before the race.[17]
Victims
Boston Police Department officials initially reported that two people were killed and 23 were injured. Local hospitals reported higher numbers; according to the Boston Globe, over 100 were being treated at various facilities.[18] Nineteen of the injured were being treated atMassachusetts General Hospital emergency room,[19][20] and nine at Tufts New England Medical Center.[21] At least 10 of the injured suffered severed limbs.[9][22][23] The injured included a Boston Police Department officer who sustained a leg injury.[24]
Effects and response
Hazmat team near Boylston Street at 3:45 pm EDT
Additional explosive devices
Numerous suspicious packages or bags were discovered, and at least two additional explosive devices were dismantled.[25][26] The Boston Police performed a controlled explosion on the 600 block of Boylston Street.[27]
Emergency response
The marathon was abruptly halted. Police, following emergency plans, diverted the remaining runners away from the finish line to Boston Common or Kenmore Square.[28][29] The nearbyLenox Hotel was also evacuated.[2] Some Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority service was halted.[12] Massachusetts National Guard units already on scene joined local authorities in rendering aid.[30] Bomb squads searched the area.[9] SOURCE
