Breaking News: Two Explosions Take Place Near Boston Marathon Finish Line
UPDATE (6:53 pm ET): “All Americans stand with the people of Boston,” President Barack Obama said. “We still do not know who did this or why. Make no mistake — we will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this. We will find out why they did this.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chairman of Intelligence Committee, told ABC News “It is a terrorist incident.”
“It could be foreign, it could be home grown,” Feinstein said. She said the incident has all the “hallmarks” of a terrorist attack.
UPDATE (5:24 pm ET): “We’ve had a horrific attack here in Boston this afternoon,” Gov. Deval Patrick said.
The first blasts happened at about 2:50 p.m. near the intersection of Boylston and Exeter streets. About an hour later, a blast shook the JFK Library in Dorchester, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said.
“Each scene resulted in multiple casualties. At this point in time, the victims have been removed from the scene,” Davis said. “There was an explosion that occurred at the JFK Library. We are not certain that these incidents are related, but we are treating them as they are.”
There were no injuries in the blast at the library, Davis said.
People trying to locate friends and family were urged to call the Mayor’s Hotline at 617-635-4500. Anyone with information about the bombings is urged to call 800-494-TIPS.
Cellphone service has been shut down in the Boston area to prevent any potential remote detonations of explosives, a law enforcement source said.
“We are asking that people stay out of crowds and calmly make their way home — if they are visiting we ask that they go back to their hotel,” Patrick said.
UPDATE (4:36 pm ET): A senior U.S. intelligence official said two more explosive devices were found near the area, and they were being dismantled. Boston police said two people died, and at least 22 were injured. Many tired and scared runners were seen wandering around the area, desperate to find loved ones.
Confusion and panic have taken over the Boston Marathon as two explosions have taken place near the finish line on Boylston Street, with dozens of injuries reported – including the loss of limbs – according to WCBV News Center 5.
The explosions took place at approximately 2:50pm at the intersection of Boylston and Exeter Streets, near the Lenox Hotel, blowing out store windows and putting an immediate stop to the race as the injured received treatment. Many of those caught in the explosion seem to be spectators who gathered to watch the marathon.
No news yet on who was behind the bombs or the motive, but we’ll be sure to update as soon as information becomes available. If you’re from Boston and have any other news, please share in the comments!
