Two explosions at Boston marathon finish line
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Navy has sent one of its bomb-disposal units to Boston to assist local authorities as needed in the aftermath of the two explosions near the Boston Marathon’s finish line. The blasts killed two and injured more than 100. The three-member explosive ordnance disposal team based at Naval Station Newport, R.I., was sent to Massachusetts after state officials asked for help. Authorities are investigating the bombings and also are checking other bags and packages that may have been left unattended as terrified crowds races away from the chaos Monday. The Pentagon said no other active duty military personnel had yet been sent to the scene, although state National Guard troops were there. The Defense Department has not raised the threat level across the nation’s military installations. WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama, responding to the explosions at the Boston Marathon, says the United States does not know “who did this or why” but vowed that whoever is responsible “will feel the full weight of justice.” He said: “We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.” Obama made his remarks Monday evening from the White House about three hours after two explosions detonated near the marathon’s finish line. At least two people were killed and 50 injured in the blasts. Obama has been in touch with federal law enforcement and Massachusetts officials in the aftermath of the explosions. The Secret Service reacted cautiously to the blasts, expanding the security perimeter around the White House. WASHINGTON (AP) – With moments of silence in both houses of Congress, lawmakers are marking the deadly explosions that occurred at the site of the Boston Marathon. Majority Leader Harry Reid led the Senate in a brief pause, and officials said Speaker John Boehner intended to do the same when the House convened later Monday. In brief remarks on the Senate floor, Reid expressed sympathy for victims of the explosions, and praised the first responders who rushed to their aid. Massachusetts Sen. Mo Cowan said he and other members of the Senate are expecting briefings from officials in Boston. UPDATE: BOSTON (AP) – Boston police say there’s been a third explosion in the city, following two blasts near the finish line of the Boston Marathon that killed two people and injured many others. Police Commissioner Edward Davis says authorities aren’t certain that the explosion at the JFK Library was related to the other blasts, but they’re treating them as if they are. David says there are no injuries stemming from the third explosion. He urged people to stay indoors and not congregate in large groups. UPDATE: BOSTON (AP) – Boston police say two people were killed and 23 people were hurt when a pair of bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The blasts shattered the end of the race Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry away the injured while stragglers in the 26.2-mile race were rerouted away from the smoking site. BOSTON (AP) – Two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon have resulted in injuries. 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. About three hours after the winners crossed the line, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the finish line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
