See our live updates about the day after, April 16, here
The Boston Police have set up two phone numbers:
For victims: 617-635-4500
Incident reports: 800-494-TIPS
People are offering places to stay for those stranded in Boston here.
Update--11:35 p.m.
The FBI is helping the Boston Police Department in the investigation. “The situation remains fluid, and it remains too early to establish the cause and motivation,” the FBI said on its website. It also encouraged people to call 1-800-225-5324, prompt #3, with tips. “No piece of information or detail is too small.”
Update-10:57 p.m.
The City of Boston has posted a map showing the crime scene.
Update--10:26 p.m.
The Castle at Park Plaza, at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Arlington Street, will be open until 11 p.m. tonight as a resource and information center, and will re-open at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
Update-10:20 p.m.
Peter Fagenholz, MD from Massachusetts General Hospital, told reporters that he has done six surgeries so far today, starting at 8 a.m.
He was still not done as of 10:15 p.m.
The dominant injuries were to the lower body, combining bone and tissue, he said.
“We just got a series of patients on stretchers,” he said, describing the first couple minutes. “It became clear to us it was going to be a busy day.”
While the nature of the injuries—including amputations—are gruesome, “but it is something we see from time to time in daily life,” said the trauma surgeon.
“This is work, so when this happens we just go to work,” he said.
Staff at the hospital rose to the occasion, with some even flying back into Boston from out of town.
“We’ve had as much or more manpower, or people power, that we could use,” said Fagenholz.
And while the runners and spectators had gone through a lot, they were pulling through.
“People are pretty brave,” said the doctor. “It’s a terrible thing, and most patients attitude is ‘do what you have to do, and make it better.’”
Update--10:05
Police officers in Boston are on high alert—they are working on 12 hour shifts, and days off are canceled, according to Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis.
Update--10:02 p.m.
Runner’s bags can now be picked up on Berkeley Street, between St. James and Boylston, according to 7 News. There are no bags at 101 Arlington Street.
The local broadcaster also reports that the normal post-race media conference, usually held the day after, has been canceled.
Update--9:47 p.m.
After reports claimed that the Boston Police Department has a suspect in custody, lead spokeswoman Cheryl Fiandaca said on Twitter that they do not.
She also said that a third person has died, and that the police are asking people to be on a heightened state of alert.
“Expect to see more police over the coming days,” she said.
Update--9:44 p.m.
Thoughts, Prayers, and Support Pour in for Boston Marathon Victims
People are pouring in their support for the victims of the deadly explosions that killed 2 people and more than 120 being treated at local hospitals, according to numbers from the Boston Globe.
News reports said that some marathon runners ran straight to the hospital to donate their blood for the victims of the blast.
“Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims,” stated NBC Sports on Twitter.
As of 5:06 p.m. EST on April 15, there is enough blood on the shelves to meet the demand, according to a tweet from the American Red Cross.
“Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand. #BostonMarathon,” @RedCross tweeted.
Update–9:04 p.m.
Boston Medical Center received 23 patients from the Boston Marathon, most of whom sustained lower leg injuries,” stated Gina DiGravio, media relations manager with Boston Medical Center, in an email statement. “Of those 23, 7 are listed in fair condition and the remaining 16 are serious. All patients are being cared for at this time.”
More than 120 people injured in the blast are being treated at seven different local hospitals, according to The Boston Globe.
Update–8:16 p.m.
LOS ANGELES—Police in Los Angeles, New York City, London, Washington and other cities worldwide stepped up security Monday following explosions at the Boston Marathon.
In Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department activated its emergency operations center and increased patrols at transit hubs, schools and county buildings, while in New York, critical response teams were deployed citywide and officials stepped up security at hotels and other prominent locations.
California emergency management officials activated their statewide threat assessment system, which was established after the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks. And officials in multiple cities and counties throughout the state were reviewing information from federal authorities for possible threats.
Meanwhile, police in Washington, San Diego, Las Vegas, Detroit and Atlanta were monitoring events closely and assessing potential increases in security measures.
Update--7:52 p.m.
CHICAGO—Two people were killed and dozens injured after a pair of bombs exploded near the finish line of one of the world’s great marathons.
The search was made more difficult because heavy cellphone use caused slow and delayed service.
Jan Seeley, director of the Illinois Marathon in Champaign, Ill., said she spent much of Monday afternoon trying to reach the runners from her area who she knew were at the race. She reached most of them, but still was waiting to hear from a handful of others.
“I’ve left messages for everyone I know,” she said. One woman she knew crossed the finish line just a minute or so ahead of the explosions.
Update--7:38 p.m.
The subway system in Boston is running again with regularly scheduled service, but still has some delays on several lines.
Update--7:28 p.m.
Boston Marathon Explosions the Work of Amateur Terrorists, Says Expert
The two bombings at the Boston Marathon, which left 2 dead and 23 injured, was likely the work of amateur terrorists, says Max Abrahms, terrorism expert and fellow at John Hopkins.
“Clearly, they’re not a highly capable group, and that’s consistent with the terrorism threat of today, which is being picked up by amateurs,” Abrahms said. “They generally have very little financial backing. These are what’s known as self starters.”
“Because of the success of counterterrorism efforts, it is very difficult for large groups of terrorists to coordinate and plan together, so you have small groups of people who are learning how to make explosive devices on the Internet,” Abrahms said. “This kind of attack is emblematic of the contemporary terrorism threat of today.”
During the Boston attack, two bombs were detonated at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. They blew up not at the same time, but very close together.
“This is a common thing for terrorists to do—they have multiple attacks simultaneously,” Abrahms said. “Sometimes they try to make it so the first aid responders get hit by the second attack.”
Update--7:10 p.m.
Neighbors Lend a Hand to Boston Marathon Runners After Explosions
Gail McManaman and her coworkers were relaxing on the lawn of her Beacon Street apartment watching the Boston Marathon when two explosions at finish line stopped the party in its tracks.
“We were watching the marathon and we had the TV out to watch the Red Sox game at the same time,” she said, a bit frazzled and surveying the crowd.
Gail and her family turned the TV to local broadcasting so that runners could stay tuned to what was happening just two miles down the road at the finish line.
Marathon runners and watchers gathered around the TV, dumbstruck as the news of multiple explosions and a growing number of injured came in.
“A lot of people ended up here, a lot of people who got as far as the finish line and were turned back, they ended up here and they gravitated to the TV.”
Update--7:07 p.m.
In a press conference at 6 p.m., Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said that police did not have a suspect in custody.
Half an hour later, CBS reported that a person is in custody, suspected to be behind the explosions at the Boston Marathon. The person is allegedly a Saudi national, who is being cooperative yet denies involvement.
Update-7:02 p.m.
BBC: A spokesperson for David Cameron quotes the British prime minister as saying: “The scenes from Boston are shocking and horrific - my thoughts are with all those who have been affected.”
Update--6:51 p.m.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the injury count is 107, and those people are at seven hospitals. Of those, Boston Medical Center has received 20 patients, including two children, most of whom have received lower leg injuries, according to its communication office.
Update--6:49 p.m.
A runner who had just finished the Boston marathon and was near the finish line when the explosions occurred told Local 15 TV that there were sniffing dogs at the start and finish lines.
“They kept making announcements on the loudspeaker that it was just a drill and there was nothing to worry about,” Stevenson told Local 15. “It seemed like there was some sort of threat, but they kept telling us it was just a drill.”
Stevenson, a cross country coach at the University of Mobile, said that his wife was sitting in a section where one of the bombs went off, but had gotten up and was walking when the blast occurred.
“There was just smoke, another explosion went off,” Stevenson told Local 15. “We all started running. There were people crying.”
Update--6:47 p.m.
The Red Cross said via Twitter that “Thanks to generosity of volunteer blood donors there is currently enough blood on the shelves to meet demand.”
Update--6:38 p.m.
President Barack Obama during a live news conference:
“I was briefed by my homeland security team on the events in Boston. We’re continuing to monitor and respond to the situation as it unfolds. I’ve directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as necessary, and investigate what happened.
“The American people will say a prayer for the people of Boston tonight and Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of victims in the wake of this senseless loss. We don’t yet have all the answers, but we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon. I’ve spoken to FBI Director Muller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano and they’re mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond. I’ve updated leaders of Congress and both parties and we reaffirm that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats. We are Americans united in our concern for fellow citizens.”
Update--6:27 p.m.
President Barack Obama during a live news conference:
“Today is a holiday in Massachusetts today is Patriot’s day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent 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 it’s streets in the spirit of friendly competition.”
“Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are it’s people. I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other 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 as we get more information our teams will provide you briefings. We’re still in the investigation stage at this point, but I still want to reiterate: we will find out who did this and we will hold the accountable. Thank you very much.”
Update--6:22 p.m.
President Barack Obama:
“I’ve also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino and made it clear that they have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families. And above all I made it clear that all Americans stand with the people of Boston. Boston police, firefighters and first responders as well as the national guard responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak.
“It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day without regard for their own safety in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted and responded so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.”
“We still do not know who did this or why and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we know all the facts. But make no mistake: we will get to the bottom of this. We’ll find out who did this. We’ll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will full the full weight of justice.”
Update--6:14 p.m.
Obama addresses the nation:
“On this day there are no Democrats or Republicans. We are Americans united in our concern for fellow citizens.”
“Make no mistake we will get to the bottom of this.”
“Any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”
“Boston is a tough resilient town, so are its people.”
“You should anticipate as we get more information our teams will provide you briefings.”
Update--5:46 p.m.
Google rolls out Person Finder for those affected by BostonMarathon explosions. People can search for friends or family or volunteer information they have about someone.
Update--5:40 p.m.
Boston Logan Airport: On Twitter the FAA has announced the stop for Boston Logan airport is closed until further notice.
Update--5:38 p.m.
Possible heart attack in the Boston Common, according to the EMS.
Police are now checking the State House
Bags can be picked up at Berkeley and St. James Street (from: Boston Police, Fire and EMS)
-From: Boston Police, Fire and EMS, via scanner
Update--5:33 p.m.
Cheryl Fiandaca, spokeswoman with the Boston Police Department, said via Twitter that the third bomb, which exploded at JFK Library, “appears to have been fire related,” not an explosion. Earlier reports indicate the explosion could have been from an electrical fire.
Update--5:29 p.m.
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and other officials will hold a press conference at 5:30 p.m., which will be live broadcast via CBS, at this site.
Update--5:27 p.m.
On a live broadcast from JFK Library, multiple secret service agents, state police, and firefighters are on the scene. The fire is out, but firefighters are still on these scene. Charred embers and pieces of wood inside. Location of fire: 30 yards to the left of the entrance. No confirmation of any injuries. A lot of personnel on scene.
Update-5:24 p.m.
The Boston Police, Fire and EMS say that Beth Israel Hospital at Francis Street reported to police that a military style duffel bag has been left at ER. Police are checking checking the bag.
Other updates via the live scanner:
360 Huntington main entrance--two suspicious packages reported by the Boston Police, Fire and EMS
221 Mass Ave.(might be short for Massachusetts Ave.)--suspicious black bag, evacuation in progress
Boston Police, Fire and EMS: Police are dispatching to the State House along with bomb dog
Update--5:17 p.m.
The Boston Marathon stated on Facebook that runners are being directed to the Boston Common to meet friends and family at “The Family Meeting Area” where “City of Boston assets have been deployed to assist runners.”
Streets within the Back Bay area and those of the Boston Marathon post-race area remain under lock down, it said in a 5 p.m. update.
“If you’re a runner in today’s race unable to retrieve your bag from a baggage bus in Back Bay, you will not be able to retrieve your bag today. It will remain in our secure possession and we will provide you more information as it becomes available,” according to the Boston Marathon.
Update--5:13 p.m.
According to CBS, 18 to 20 injured are in Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2 in critical condition.
19 injured at Massachusetts General Hospital, 6 in critical condition and 5 serious.
Update--5:08 p.m. Law enforcement officials say that all cellphone service has been shut down to prevent further explosions, according to CBS Boston.
Update-- 5:08 p.m. Family Meeting Area Moved to Boston Common
The Family Meeting Area has been moved to Boston Common. Runners are being directed there to meet friends and family. City of Boston assets have been deployed to assist runners at the Common, according to the Boston Marathon Facebook page
Update-- 5:06 p.m. President Barack Obama has called Boston’s mayor and the Massachusetts governor to express his concern for those injured in the Boston Marathon explosions.
Obama also told Mayor Tom Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick that his administration would provide whatever support was needed in responding to the incident, the White House said.
The president was briefed on the explosions by Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco shortly after 3 p.m. EDT.
Update-- 4:58 p.m.
Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said at the press conference that police are setting up two phone numbers.
For victims: 6176354500
Incident reports: 800-494-TIPS
Update-- 4:54 p.m.
Boston Police are holding a press conference at the Westin Hotel. A live stream is being hosted here.
Update -- 4:50 p.m.
Boston Police have confirmed that a 3rd explosion in Boston has taken place, at JFK library. “Not certain related- but BPD [Boston Police Department] treating like they are,” said police spokeswoman Cheryl Fiandaca via Twitter. Mass. Governor Deval Patrick said that there were no injuries at the library.
Two explosions near the end of the Boston Marathon killed two and injured 23 Monday.
Boston police tweeted at 4:02 p.m. that 2 people were killed and 23 injured by two explosions near the finish line. Boston police confirmed another explosion at JFK Library, located at 220 William T Morrissey Blvd, Boston.
Competitors and race volunteers were crying as they fled the chaos. Bloody spectators were being carried Monday to the medical tent that had been set up to care for fatigued runners. Police wove through competitors as they ran back toward the course.
“There are a lot of people down,” said one man, whose bib No. 17528 identified him as Frank Deruyter of North Carolina. He was not injured, but marathon workers were carrying one woman, who did not appear to be a runner, to the medical area as blood gushed from her leg. A Boston police officer was wheeled from the course with a leg injury that was bleeding.
Neither race officials nor public officials could immediately estimate the number or degree of injuries.
“One coming right after the other,” said someone who was there of the explosions, according to CBS. They described the sound as akin to thunder.
All the victims have been taken off the scene, according to a live feed of the Emergency Broadcast System. Authorities are sweeping the area.
“Get on social media, and start telling people they should get away from the area, until we clean up,” one person on the system told another.
“There are people who are really, really bloody,” said Laura McLean, a runner from Toronto, who was in the medical tent being treated for dehydration when she was pulled out to make room for victims of the explosions. “They were pulling them into the medical tent.”
A firecloud rising was captured by a reporter on the scene and shared via Twitter.
A part of a fence collapsed and some people were on the ground earlier, injured, according to video. Authorities aren’t sure what caused the explosion.
The Boston Marathon headquarters have been locked down.
This story will be updated.
The Associated Press and Epoch Times staff members Ryan Jeffries, Kristen Meriwether, Ivan Pentchoukov, Pheobe Ryles, Joshua Phillipp, and Kelly Ni contributed to this report.
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