Bad things at the Boston Marathon?!

[Bench]

BREAKING NEWS: Two powerful explosions detonated in quick succession right next to the Boston Marathon finsh line this afternoon.

The pictures do not look good. 

[MusicMan]

Local affiliates reporting "lost limbs" in explosion.  Just terrible.

[Bench]

Local affiliates reporting "lost limbs" in explosion.  Just terrible.

Fox is reporting 3 deaths so far.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Twitter is an absolute nightmare and absolutely necessary.  Quick news, but also all kinds of unfounded rumors.  Telling the two apart is really frustrating.

[Limey]

Local CBS affiliate got this shot of the explosion.  Scary.

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/2dLwaj6zHmXqdHiGgOgWuw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/blogs/thelookout/explosion-boston.jpg

[Bench]

Twitter is an absolute nightmare and absolutely necessary.  Quick news, but also all kinds of unfounded rumors.  Telling the two apart is really frustrating.

Yeah.  It's great to find out something happened before there's even a news story.  As to how, why, and how much, twitter is the opposite of insightful.

[Fredia]

19 admitted to boston mass
10 lost limbs..what i heard

[Ron Brand]

Good local coverage here with a stable video stream. Two dead, 23 injured so far.

[Noe]

Good local coverage here with a stable video stream. Two dead, 23 injured so far.

Thanks. This is a great feed. Tragic day today, and they found two more devices that they are dismantling right now. Scary.

[Bench]

Two more bombs found by authorities. 

[BudGirl]

There are some messed up people in the world.

[Fredia]

drags out memories and makes you feel sick in the middle of your stomach

[Limey]

Another bomb at JFK Library.  Three total.

[Bench]

A third explosion occurred at the JFK Library (different side of town than the Marathon, and not really a place you would expect to find many people on a holiday).

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

A third explosion occurred at the JFK Library (different side of town than the Marathon, and not really a place you would expect to find many people on a holiday).

There was some mention on Twitter that the JFK explosion might have been a controlled detonation by BPD.

[Noe]

A third explosion occurred at the JFK Library (different side of town than the Marathon, and not really a place you would expect to find many people on a holiday).

Wow, they're saying a lot of parcels were left on the ground as people scattered... so they're treating all parcels on the ground as suspicious. Better safe than sorry at this point.

[Noe]

There was some mention on Twitter that the JFK explosion might have been a controlled detonation by BPD.

They confirmed that the controlled explosion was not at the JFK library. They did explode a device, but they are confirming that the controlled explosion was not one of the three devices exploded today at random: two at the finish line and one at the library. All are considered related.

[Limey]

There was some mention on Twitter that the JFK explosion might have been a controlled detonation by BPD.

Press conference just confirmed that there was a controlled explosion, but the JFK explosion was another bomb.

The trouble they're having is that every dropped package or bag is a potential IED.

[BudGirl]

If you've ever been around a marathon route, there is a lot of stuff dropped.  That is an enormous undertaking.

[BudGirl]

2 more devices being dismantled.

[Limey]

If you've ever been around a marathon route, there is a lot of stuff dropped.  That is an enormous undertaking.

Yep.  TV guy (who is infinitely sharper than any of the reporters at the PC) made that comment about the footage.  A lot of what might look like bomb debris is, in fact, marathon debris.

[Limey]

Ground level video of the explosion and immediate aftermath.

http://bcove.me/qwi5k6ap

[Limey]

For those unable to see Ron's local news link

upwards of 80 people total taken to city hospitals

MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL
22 total, 6 critical, 5 serious

BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER
20 total, including 2 children. Most have lower leg injuries

TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER
9

BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
9

BRIGHAM & WOMEN'S
18-20 patients, including 2 in critical

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Press conference just confirmed that there was a controlled explosion, but the JFK explosion was another bomb.

The trouble they're having is that every dropped package or bag is a potential IED.

Gotcha.  I've got CNBC here on the trade floor, but no sound.  Thanks for the clarification.

[Limey]

ER at Tuft's Medical Center evacuated.  Crazy shit.

[Ron Brand]

NY Post says 12 dead, more than 50 injured, 20-year-old Saudi national 'under guard' at an undisclosed hospital.

[Navin R Johnson]

Boston Police scanner.

http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6254/web/?rl=rr

[Bench]

ER at Tuft's Medical Center evacuated.  Crazy shit.

Tufts Med is right around the corner from where the explosions were. 

[Bench]

NY Post says 12 dead, more than 50 injured, 20-year-old Saudi national 'under guard' at an undisclosed hospital.

NY Post.  Discredit.

[Ron Brand]

NY Post.  Discredit.

Yeah, I know. But still.

[Bench]

Yeah, I know. But still.

But still sensational unsupported rumors generate page clicks?

[Navin R Johnson]

NY Post says 12 dead, more than 50 injured, 20-year-old Saudi national 'under guard' at an undisclosed hospital.

BPD denying that claim

A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department said no suspects have been taken into custody yet after the bombing at the Boston Marathon.

"At this time, we haven't been notified of any arrests or anyone apprehended," the spokesperson said.

The New York Post reported that a "Saudi national who suffered shrapnel wounds in today's blast" has been identified as "a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing." The Boston PD spokesperson did not confirm that report.

"Honestly, I don't know where they're getting their information from, but it didn't come from us," said the spokesperson.

The Post report was attributed to "a law enforcement source." According to the Post, the "suspect" is "currently being guarded in a Boston hospital."

[Limey]

Tufts Med is right around the corner from where the explosions were. 

SWAT now at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

[Navin R Johnson]

The JFK Library incident is now being reported as fire related, not a bomb

[Bench]

The JFK Library incident is now being reported as fire related, not a bomb

That makes more sense. 

[Navin R Johnson]

For those interested, here is a good source for info.

https://twitter.com/CherylFiandaca
@CherylFiandaca
Bureau Chief, Public Information - Boston Police Department

[Limey]

ER at Tuft's Medical Center evacuated.  Crazy shit.

No threat at Tuft's.  ER re-opened.

[Bench]

SWAT now at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

People being let back into Tufts.  But SWAT is getting heavy at The Brigham. 

[Bench]

Menino was injured in the explosion?

[BudGirl]

I believe he was already in a hospital with a broken leg.

[Ty in Tampa]

Boston police are guarding a “possible suspect” who had been wounded in the blasts, federal officials tell NBC News.
by Teresa Hanafin, Boston.com 5:54 PM

[Bench]

I believe he was already in a hospital with a broken leg.

Oh.  That's odd.

[BudGirl]

http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/04/13/mayor-thomas-menino-undergoing-surgery-for-broken-leg/VEXrZUAn8fJYZehphmSS6M/story.html

[Bench]

http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/04/13/mayor-thomas-menino-undergoing-surgery-for-broken-leg/VEXrZUAn8fJYZehphmSS6M/story.html

Poor guy.  He seemed old when I was living there three mayoral terms ago.

[Navin R Johnson]

Jennifer Peter ‏@GlobeJenPeter 3m

Lots of rumors today. JFK Library explosion unrelated. No suspect in custody. Important to only report what you know. #marathonbdc

[Bench]

Jennifer Peter ‏@GlobeJenPeter 3m

Lots of rumors today. JFK Library explosion unrelated. No suspect in custody. Important to only report what you know. #marathonbdc

Very good advice. 

[Bench]

The Globe has confirmed that one of the deaths is an eight year old.  Just awful.

[Noe]

They seem to be honing in on someone (person of interest) at one of the Hospitals. Or so it seems.

[Ebby Calvin]

The Globe has confirmed that one of the deaths is an eight year old.  Just awful.

Right or wrong, that pisses me off more than any of the other bullshit associated with this.  Senseless.

[Mr. Happy]

Right or wrong, that pisses me off more than any of the other bullshit associated with this.  Senseless.

That's putting it diplomatically. I am trying to resist the temptation to assume that this was a terrorist action on the part of some Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organization because I don't want to jump to any conclusions. But I am fucking pissed. I got a text from a fraternity brother who is in Boston to run that race today, letting me know that he is safe.

[Jacksonian]

That's putting it diplomatically. I am trying to resist the temptation to assume that this was a terrorist action on the part of some Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organization because I don't want to jump to any conclusions. But I am fucking pissed. I got a text from a fraternity brother who is in Boston to run that race today, letting me know that he is safe.

Today is Patriot's Day. It was pointed out to me that Patriot's Day is a somewhat popular day for domestic terrorist attacks.

[austro]

That's putting it diplomatically. I am trying to resist the temptation to assume that this was a terrorist action on the part of some Islamic fundamentalist terrorist organization because I don't want to jump to any conclusions. But I am fucking pissed. I got a text from a fraternity brother who is in Boston to run that race today, letting me know that he is safe.

These days, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's some Tea Partier who decided that Patriot's Day and the April 15 tax deadline was too perfect a circumstance to pass up. Who knows? We'll find out in due time.

[Mr. Happy]

Today is Patriot's Day. It was pointed out to me that Patriot's Day is a somewhat popular day for domestic terrorist attacks.

You're probably right about that. I will wait for the responsible party to claim responsibility.

[Mr. Happy]

These days, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's some Tea Partier who decided that Patriot's Day and the April 15 tax deadline was too perfect a circumstance to pass up. Who knows? We'll find out in due time.

That's unfair to the Tea Party.

[Navin R Johnson]

These days, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's some Tea Partier who decided that Patriot's Day and the April 15 tax deadline was too perfect a circumstance to pass up. Who knows? We'll find out in due time.

Was my my 2nd guess too, the tax day thing and Boston Tea Party connection...

[Mr. Happy]

Was my my 2nd guess too, the tax day thing and Boston Tea Party connection...

I'm going to have a very hard time if this was American on American terrorism.

[Navin R Johnson]

To be clear, not saying the Tea Party is in anyway related, but the date and place lends itself to some domestic person/group.

[moriartp]

Unfounded speculation won't do anyone any good here.

[Navin R Johnson]

Also, today I decided to just shut off the national media.  I listened to the Police scanner and followed the Boston Globe and BPD on twitter.

Reading other folks twitter feeds it was amazing how much misinformation was being put out.  From suspects being in custody, to all sorts of reports of other and multiple bombs to just wild ass speculation.  Ridiculous.

[subnuclear]

Terrorists generally strike when the oppourtunity exists not with any holiday or any particular anniversery. You can always make a story later. And the person doesn't have to have a reason at all.

[Waldo]

There's a photo on Slate of a first responder checking for a pulse on two women no older than their early 30s, both of which may have already been dead.  One of the women was almost certainly dead and may have been missing one of her legs.

Unfortunately I think the death toll will not be staying at two.

[Bench]

Today is Patriot's Day. It was pointed out to me that Patriot's Day is a somewhat popular day for domestic terrorist attacks.

Yeah but Oklahoma city was aimed at the anniversary of Waco. I doubt the ATF had patriots day in mind when they initiated that debacle. Columbine was hitler's birthday. I don't recall what happened to nominally provoke virginia tech. Am I missing any events?

We'll find out eventually. My hunch is that if it was an Islamic terrorist group we would know by now. The intelligence community seems completely caught off guard with this one. But who knows at this point. I agree with subnuclear. Fuckers who do this type of shit don't need a whole lot of symbolism to pick a time and place.

[Jacksonian]

Yeah but Oklahoma city was aimed at the anniversary of Waco. I doubt the ATF had patriots day in mind when they initiated that debacle. Columbine was hitler's birthday. I don't recall what happened to nominally provoke virginia tech. Am I missing any events?

We'll find out eventually. My hunch is that if it was an Islamic terrorist group we would know by now. The intelligence community seems completely caught off guard with this one. But who knows at this point. I agree with subnuclear. Fuckers who do this type of shit don't need a whole lot of symbolism to pick a time and place.

The guy who pointed it out is a Ph.D. student focusing on terrorism.  I was passing on the mindless speculation.

Now, ignore me and move on.  There's nothing to see here.

[Bench]

The guy who pointed it out is a Ph.D. student focusing on terrorism.  I was passing on the mindless speculation.

Now, ignore me and move on.  There's nothing to see here.

I'm a big fan of speculating. I will speculate, without any particular basis, that it seems more likely to have been a domestic rather than foreign originated action. But I have no idea.

[remy]

There's a photo on Slate of a first responder checking for a pulse on two women no older than their early 30s,

Seen it.  That picture is fucking haunting.

[Waldo]

Seen it.  That picture is fucking haunting.

Saw another photo of the same women taken from a different angle.  Blonde girl in the blue shirt was clearly missing almost all of her left leg.  A doctor nearby who was interviewed by one of the news orgs said that she was definitely dead.

[EasTexAstro]

Heartwarming stories

[NeilT]

Heartwarming stories

Thanks ETA.

[remy]

Saw another photo of the same women taken from a different angle.  Blonde girl in the blue shirt was clearly missing almost all of her left leg.  A doctor nearby who was interviewed by one of the news orgs said that she was definitely dead.

"Media reports ID second Boston Marathon victim as 29-year-old Krystle Campbell"

Guessing this would be her.

[OregonStrosFan]

Per the AP:  LINK

NEW YORK (AP) — The Chinese Consulate in New York says a Chinese national is the third person killed in the Boston marathon blasts.

An official at the consulate's press section, who was not authorized to give his name, said that one Chinese student was injured and another died in the blast.

[remy]

Chinese victim is also a female.

[Waldo]

Guessing this would be her.

Yep.  I was hoping that she was killed instantly, but I later saw another pic from right after the blast showing that she was trying to get up and/or get help.  Instead she bled out.  Awful.

[Duman]

  Her family suffered even more due to mistaken identity.  How awful.

[Waldo]

  Her family suffered even more due to mistaken identity.  How awful.

I saw that as well.  I know things were crazy, but how do the authorities and/or medical staff make that mistake?  Her friend looked nothing like her (taller, different hair color).

ETA: Article says her friend was carrying "something with Krystle's name on it".  I'd read elsewhere that she had Krystle's ID.  If the former, I understand the mixup.

[Bench]

An arrest has or has not been made and the suspect is not or is in custody of the authorities or maybe someone else.  This is a fun news cycle.

[Bench]

But the Boston Federal Courthouse has been evacuated (and there are reports The Brigham & Women's Hospital too?).

[Limey]

But the Boston Federal Courthouse has been evacuated (and there are reports The Brigham & Women's Hospital too?).

And people are getting ricin in the mail.  This is fucked up!

[remy]

Civilian detectives hard at work:

(first image depicts wide shot of blood on the sidewalk if you're squeamish, but no photos of injuries)
http://imgur.com/a/f2iNp

I'd be extremely interested in speaking to mister white cap and mister blue jacket if I were law enforcement.

[MRaup]

On a more positive note: Star Spangled Banner before the Bruins game in Boston tonight.

Chills.

[Duke]

On a more positive note: Star Spangled Banner before the Bruins game in Boston tonight.

Chills.

Heard this on Mike and Mike on the way into work this morning.  Watered an eye.  Awesome.

[Duke]

NY Post running pictures of the 2 uspects:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/feds_have_men_in_sights_j43UJwXZncr0wmysU42scJ

[Guinness]

NY Post running pictures of the 2 uspects:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/feds_have_men_in_sights_j43UJwXZncr0wmysU42scJ

Apparently those are just 2 guys in the crowd, the younger one is a Moraccan track and field athlete who was there to watch the race.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/18/new-york-post-repeatedly-misidentifies-boston-suspects/

I think this episode with the identity of the bombers and whether or not a suspect has been arrested really shines a light on how poor journalism is nowadays--everybody wants to be first, so don't bother checking sources.  Kind of like "it's easier to apologize than ask permission".

[Limey]

Apparently those are just 2 guys in the crowd, the younger one is a Moraccan track and field athlete who was there to watch the race.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/18/new-york-post-repeatedly-misidentifies-boston-suspects/

I think this episode with the identity of the bombers and whether or not a suspect has been arrested really shines a light on how poor journalism is nowadays--everybody wants to be first, so don't bother checking sources.  Kind of like "it's easier to apologize than ask permission".

The media, old and new, has behaved reprehensibly over this whole thing.  The Post reporting a Saudi in custody on day 1, CNN reporting a "brown-skinned male" in custody yesterday, and the rest of them jumping on that misinformation like it's frog mating season.  "Correct" is waaaay better than "first".

[MusicMan]

Apparently those are just 2 guys in the crowd, the younger one is a Moraccan track and field athlete who was there to watch the race.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/18/new-york-post-repeatedly-misidentifies-boston-suspects/

I think this episode with the identity of the bombers and whether or not a suspect has been arrested really shines a light on how poor journalism is nowadays--everybody wants to be first, so don't bother checking sources.  Kind of like "it's easier to apologize than ask permission".

I hope that kid sues the Post's asses off.

(Yes, I know that this requires "willful" misconduct on a newspaper's part.  I would argue that the Post's incompetence reaches willful levels at this point.)

[MusicMan]

I hope that kid sues the Post's asses off.

(Yes, I know that this requires "willful" misconduct on a newspaper's part.  I would argue that the Post's incompetence reaches willful levels at this point.)

Gawker colorfully summarizes thus:

Is the New York Post Edited by a Bigoted Drunk Who Fucks Pigs?

[Bench]

Gawker colorfully summarizes thus:

Is the New York Post Edited by a Bigoted Drunk Who Fucks Pigs?

I love the tiny question mark in the image.  

When will people stop trotting out NY Post links?  That publication has the credibility of the enquirer. 

[Limey]

Gawker colorfully summarizes thus:

Is the New York Post Edited by a Bigoted Drunk Who Fucks Pigs?

Awesome comment:

The New York Post is pure. unadulterated evil. If the hotel in The Shining ever put out a paper, it would be the Post.

[Bench]

The real FBI released real pictures of possible suspects.

Notably, they are not the guys pictured in the Post.   

[Noe]

The real FBI released real pictures of possible suspects.

Notably, they are not the guys pictured in the Post.   

They look like an evil version of Ted and Bill.

[Bench]

They look like an evil version of Ted and Bill.

Terrorbros.

[remy]

The real FBI released real pictures of possible suspects.

Notably, they are not the guys pictured in the Post.  

Pic of white cap asshole running away.  I'm sure more citizen snapshots caught their faces.
http://i.imgur.com/NFPlOCI.jpg

[OregonStrosFan]

I hope that kid sues the Post's asses off.

(Yes, I know that this requires "willful" misconduct on a newspaper's part.  I would argue that the Post's incompetence reaches willful levels at this point.)

FWIW, 'actual malice' related to a person that is a 'public figure'. The standards of libel aren't as onerous in relation to a 'generic citizen'...

[Craig]

Terrorbros.

Brosama bin Ladens

[bubba]

Douchebagga Bin Ladens!

[mrpink]

These days, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's some Tea Partier who decided that Patriot's Day and the April 15 tax deadline was too perfect a circumstance to pass up. Who knows? We'll find out in due time.

WTF is the matter with you?

[austro]

WTF is the matter with you?

I think you may have misinterpreted what I was trying to say, which is that there is simply too little information available to us to know who is responsible. It could be anybody, and we'll simply have to wait to find out.

[mrpink]

I think you may have misinterpreted what I was trying to say, which is that there is simply too little information available to us to know who is responsible. It could be anybody, and we'll simply have to wait to find out.

OK, fair enough.

[Limey]

One douche down, the other on the run.  Hopefully he gets to experience a few hours of total fear and abject despair at the death of his brother, before perishing in a hail of righteous gunfire.

[Bench]

One douche down, the other on the run.  Hopefully he gets to experience a few hours of total fear and abject despair at the death of his brother, before perishing in a hail of righteous gunfire.

They robbed a 7-11 and killed a couple of police officers over a night of violence. One bro killed the other one trying to escape? Boston and burbs shut down as manhunt continues.

They are Chechen.

[Noe]

They robbed a 7-11 and killed a couple of police officers over a night of violence. One bro killed the other one trying to escape? Boston and burbs shut down as manhunt continues.

They are Chechen.

26 and 19 year olds. The 26 year old is the one that has been killed by police in the gunfire exchange. Shades of Red Dawn in reverse!

[Limey]

They look like an evil version of Ted and Bill.

I was thinking Vince Vaughan and Adam Sandler.

[remy]

Turns out it was Borat.

[Bench]

Turns out it was Borat.

The uncle seems like a character right out of Borat.

"Why they did this?  Because they are LOSERS!!!"

[Limey]

Turns out it was Borat.

Not Borat, but they are both sons of Urkin the Rapist.

[Don]

Here's a great article on how one victim helped to ID the bombers from his hospital bed.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-19/boston-bombing-victim-in-iconic-photo-helped-identify-attackers.html

“He woke up under so much drugs, asked for a paper and pen and wrote, ‘bag, saw the guy, looked right at me,’” Chris Bauman said yesterday in an interview.

[T. J.]

Here's a great article on how one victim helped to ID the bombers from his hospital bed.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-19/boston-bombing-victim-in-iconic-photo-helped-identify-attackers.html

If you're so inclined, here's a way to donate money to him:  http://www.gofundme.com/BucksforBauman

[Noe]

If you're so inclined, here's a way to donate money to him:  http://www.gofundme.com/BucksforBauman

Gosh I hope this is legit. If not, please stomp these freaks to the full extent of the law!  BTW - another story that I don't know if it's true or not. World's most dangerous man!

[Bench]

In custody, alive and mirandized. What an insane 24 hours.

[T. J.]

In custody, alive and mirandized. What an insane 24 hours.

Not quite. "A federal law-enforcement official said authorities would be invoking the public-safety exception to the usual Miranda warning in order to question the suspect about other potential explosive devices or accomplices and to gain critical intelligence."
 
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/a/SB10001424127887324493704578432030609754740?mg=reno64-wsj

[OregonStrosFan]

Not quite. "A federal law-enforcement official said authorities would be invoking the public-safety exception to the usual Miranda warning in order to question the suspect about other potential explosive devices or accomplices and to gain critical intelligence."
 
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/a/SB10001424127887324493704578432030609754740?mg=reno64-wsj

I had no idea that was an option. Thanks for the link!

[Bench]

Not quite. "A federal law-enforcement official said authorities would be invoking the public-safety exception to the usual Miranda warning in order to question the suspect about other potential explosive devices or accomplices and to gain critical intelligence."
 
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/a/SB10001424127887324493704578432030609754740?mg=reno64-wsj

Interesting. Thanks.

So they'll question him about any other explosive devices and then mirandize him. I wonder what happens if he offers statements about the past crimes while he's being interrogated under the public-safety exception. I assume those statements would be admissible but it takes some tricky reasoning.

[Noe]

Interesting. Thanks.

So they'll question him about any other explosive devices and then mirandize him. I wonder what happens if he offers statements about the past crimes while he's being interrogated under the public-safety exception. I assume those statements would be admissible but it takes some tricky reasoning.

I was interested in the comments by the Federal DA. She basically said it was purposeful to be slow and methodical to handle this right. When asked about the death penalty, she was non-committal other than to say this will take a long, slow process of investigation and then the Attorney General will have the final decision.

[Bench]

I was interested in the comments by the Federal DA. She basically said it was purposeful to be slow and methodical to handle this right. When asked about the death penalty, she was non-committal other than to say this will take a long, slow process of investigation and then the Attorney General will have the final decision.

Yeah. The legal process should be a reasoned and deliberate one. Any decision on seeking the death penalty will be made long down the road.

[Bench]

Here's the story of the carjacking and how the victim escaped.  Remarkable.