Boston Marathon Bombings

2013 Boston Marathon aftermath people

Photo by Aaron “tango” Tang

On Monday, President Barack Obama said, “Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice,” the Associated Press reports referring to the tragic bombings that occurred at the Boston Marathon finish line. While in his statement President Obama did not openly say it was an act of terrorism, the AP says, federal officials are treating the investigation as “an act of terrorism.”

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Early this morning CNN reported that the blasts claimed at least three lives, including that of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was there to cheer for his father participating in the marathon. Over 150 people were hospitalized “with at least 17 in critical condition and 25 in serious condition…” reported CNN’s Holly Yan. “At least eight of the patients are children.” Yan added some chilling details in her news piece including, “One man’s legs were instantly blown off, yet he kept trying to stand up.”

As of this morning, there have been no reports of who exactly is responsible for the attack; however, a number of people are being questioned and a home near Revere (a small city outside Boston) was searched by local and federal law enforcement officers and bomb technicians. “Massachusetts State Police said a search was conducted in the suburb of Revere on Monday night was related to the investigation, but provided no further details,” reported the AP’s Jimmy Golen. “Some investigators were seen leaving a building there early Tuesday carrying brown paper bags, plastic trash bags and a duffel bag.”

Earlier today, the Pakistani Taliban denied any involvement in the bombings, reports the AP. “…people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts,” said President Obama in yesterday’s press conference. “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.”

There has been a flood of people offering to help in the aftermath of the bombings. For example, Boston.com started an online database for people needing or able to offer a place to stay, and many people have signed up to open up their homes. The Red Cross (who issued a statement last evening saying it had enough blood and funds to help the victims) is hosting a platform where individuals can report that they are safe.

In his speech, President Obama reminded everyone that there is hope that comes out of every tragedy (not dismissing the great loss) because of all the heroes selflessly taking action—from the first responders (like police, firefighters and EMTs) and hospital staff to the marathoners who kept on running to a location to donate blood and “the man in the cowboy hat,” Carlos Arredondo.

The image above was taken by Aaron “Tango” Tang who was in his office overlooking (and half a block away from) the finish line. When we e-mailed to make sure it was okay to use his photo, he sent two links. The first is one hour before the bombing and the second is his entire set. He said, ” I think the more eyes seeing the before/after photos  to detect any patterns, oddities in the crowd is best.” Thank you Aaron Tang for sharing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hahatango/8652728665/sizes/o/in/set-72157633252445135/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hahatango/sets/72157633252445135/with/8652945941/