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3 dead, 130 hurt after two bombs explode near Boston Marathon finish line

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A sad day in Boston. Innocent people, women and children....for what reason!

14 ( +14 / -1 )

Who could do something so terrible to innocents?

God bless the victims and their families.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Looks shocking, but it clearly could have been much, much worse with all those people on the scene. My heart goes out to you again America on another dark day for civilization.

Terrorism really is the cowardly scourge of humanity.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Why is this so far down the page? This, seems to me anyway, SHOULD be top news!

Certainly this is more important NEWS than Kuroda and the BOJ or NATO news? Come JT you should be ashamed here, get your priorities straight!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Here's the Google People Finder for this occurrence-

http://google.org/personfinder/2013-boston-explosions

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Two dead, over 80 injured. Very sad. Who would do such a thing? Why? The perpetrators need to be caught as soon as possible. Thoughts and prayers to the victims.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

At this point there seems to be no news of who is responsible, and it seems a very odd one to me.

And let me say this. Violence is abhorrent. It's foul. It's evil. And 2 people have been killed, which is 2 too many. Just like the 55 people killed in bombings in Baghdad yesterday is 55 too many. And the 250 people killed in Syria this year by bombings is 250 too many.

What's wrong with us?

11 ( +10 / -1 )

Whoever the hell did this, we will find them and bring them to JUSTICE!!

0 ( +10 / -10 )

Noteworthy were the actions of many of the attendees. Many, despite any danger, ran towards the site of the explosions to render help. A great many showed up at nearby hospitals to donate blood.

No matter how horrific the event, the basic nobility of so many people shines through.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Rest in peace to the poor innocent victims. Reports coming in are describing a war-zone - with 20-30 people having limbs blown off. Whilst it sounds like the work of islamists or american right-wing extremists, we can only hope these evil terrorists - whichever organization they are from - are caught before they launch another attack.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

JT, YOU now should be very ashamed for removing my post about your lack of priorities when it comes to your news article placement.

Your "censorship" may be mightier than my sword HERE.

Moderator: Please post something pertinent to the story.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Domestic terror? Obivously too soon to tell, but keep in mind it's not only Boston Marathon day but also Patriots' Day. Someone could be making a point about the "tyranny" of government.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Awful awful news. Rest in peace those two souls.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Reports are now they have a Saudi man in custody.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Someone could be making a point about the "tyranny" of government.

It's Patriots' Day in Boston as well as Tax Day throughout the US. There has been a string of violence lately in the mid-West, with attacks on judges, prosecutors and police. Also, it's barely been more than a year since right-wing extremists attempted to bomb an MLK Day parade in Spokane.

The multiple bombs in succession, including one that was detonated by the police, reminds me a lot of the bombings in Atlanta in 1996 by right-wing extremist, Eric Rudolph.

Sad to learn that an 8-year-old was one of the fatalities.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Domestic terror? Obivously too soon to tell, but keep in mind it's not only Boston Marathon day but also Patriots' Day. Someone could be making a point about the "tyranny" of government.

Isn't it also Israeli independence day ?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Reports are now they have a Saudi man in custody.

There are no such reports coming from major US news outlets. Can you please attribute your claim?

5 ( +8 / -3 )

@burakuman cite your source please. If you can't then there are NOT reports that a "Saudi man is in custody"

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Isn't it also Israeli independence day ?

No. (It falls on 4/16 this year.)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@ pozzy - news.com.au - follow their rolling coverage. Yes - it states "reports" of a saudi 20 year old with burns in custody. Posters here don't have to cite every source,BTW. Google is your friend.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

No. (It falls on 4/16 this year.)

Oh, OK. Thanks. I didn't check into the time difference either. Although I believe Israeli holidays may begin at sundown the night before (?).

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I want those responsible for this to be caught, put on trial and properly punished.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Yes - it states "reports" of a saudi 20 year old with burns in custody.

Actually, no. The claim on news.com.au is that the New York Post reported that a Saudi was taken into custody. The very same site reports that "Boston police have since said they do not have a suspect in custody."

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Domestic terror? Obivously too soon to tell, but keep in mind it's not only Boston Marathon day but also Patriots' Day. Someone could be making a point about the "tyranny" of government. Isn't it also Israeli independence day ?

April 15 is also Kim Il Sung's birthday. North Korea just held a marathon on April 14 to celebrate his birthday. Coincidence? Not enough info yet to determine who the actual perpetrators are.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The New York Post also claims that 12 people have been killed in the bombings, not two. They claim that there was also a bomb at the JFK Library -- something the police have since totally denied.

The Post is clearly not to be trusted as a reliable source of news -- which makes attribution so important.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

The multiple bombs in succession, including one that was detonated by the police, reminds me a lot of the bombings in Atlanta in 1996 by right-wing extremist, Eric Rudolph.

Funny because the bombings reminded me a lot of the Weatherman bombings in 1975 by left-wing extremists led by William Ayers if you want to go that route.

But gosh, I guess we'll have to actually wait until we know some real facts on who is responsible instead of just posting blowhard conjecture if it was a righty or lefty thing.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

I heard the Saudi 'person of interest' or whatever term you want to use is badly burned and was trying to lie low before being hospitalized.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

Readers, please note that currently, no responsible media outlet is reporting that any suspect is in custody or hospital.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Funny because the bombings reminded me a lot of the Weatherman bombings in 1975 by left-wing extremists led by William Ayers if you want to go that route.

What's funny is the denial of the spree of attacks against governmental authority by right-wing extremists over the past few years, and escalating in number over the past few months. By contrast, there has not been a left-wing bombing in the United States in many decades.

Right-wing extremists or Islamic extremists have to be high on the list of suspects. The key difference between Rudolf's attack and the Weatherman is that right-wing extremist Rudolf targeted a joyous gathering at the Atlanta Olympics -- while the Weatherman bombings of 75 were single bombs that caused damage to government property and no injuries. MLK Day parades, Olympics, major marathons like Boston's are joyous events -- right-wing extremists were responsible for the first two. It will not surprise me a bit to find them behind this one.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I think it was a CBS report that said the Saudi man was acting suspiciously and was tackled by a bystander, now being 'guarded ' or "ID'd" in the hospital, but certainly no one has been named as a suspect or officially taken into custody.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Let's not speculate. That's when mistakes are made the the wrong people get put in the cross hairs and the right ones get away.

8 ( +7 / -0 )

The one man terrorist, even a two man terrorist group, is nearly impossible to stop, and impossible to infiltrate. This appears to be a pro. So now we can only hope that catch the actual perp. There is going to be a lot of political pressure just to catch someone and blame them for it.

Meanwhile it would be nice if the media would now shut up about it until they have actual new facts to report. However remember this is the groups that run on the "If it bleeds, it leads. So instead we will get talking heads supposing and repeats on old information, old videos and of course every rumor that comes their way, whether based up by evidence or not.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Horrible news to wake up to, my thoughts go out to the victims, its a sad day.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

My take on it with information availible so far is that it is domestic in nature.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Let's not speculate.

I advocate vigilance. Since this attack took place in America, Americans should not assume that their attackers will look "foreign," -- like the Saudi man some sources have claimed was a suspect. Vigilance is especially warranted during times when the attacks become more numerous, as they have been of late by attackers who don't will not appear foreign, because they aren't.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

This is so terrible. Amazing, you have innocent people coming out to an event to run and enjoy a beautiful day and some crazy person or group of people would have the audacity to harm these people for NO reason. All the carnage, all the mayhem and for what? I heard they already performed 10 amputations, how awful. I really hope they can get these people and bring them to justice, my deepest, deepesr sympathy goes out to these victims and hope that these cowards that are responsible for this cowardly act get caught and brought to justice.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Skin color, faith, political opinion etc. there is NOTHING that justifies the death of a innocent child. Anyone who hurts innocent people indiscriminately are terrorists as far as I am concerned and they need to pay! We are all humans we do have different ideals, aspirations, cultures and faith. No one is equal and if you wishes to be heard and you kill an innocent being you just lost your chance!!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Let's not speculate.

A very pertinent reminder. This could have been a cell phone detonator, in which case presumably they could be miles away watching on TV or a block or two away. Maybe someone was run down who simply wanted to be close to see the carnage but misjudged.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I hope that they find out the real causes of this, and that the US doesn't just rush to judge and make knee-jerk reactions like we did after 9/11. Let's find out if he was alone or acting with others. Let's not add more hassle to the rest of the people with added security measures that don't really solve anything, without going to the root of the problem, which in this case may mean offending those from another country who don't really want to acknowledge that they have an internal problem that is affecting the rest of the world.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Lots of hand-wringing going on, and "we need to…" statements. Let the investigators investigate first.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

“We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts,” Obama said.

Thank god, the voice of reason!

The last time the US government jumped to conclusions, it invaded the wrong country.

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

Tweeter feeds now saying a third person has perished. By the photos and videos circulating the net the number will rise. My prayers for the people who lost their lives or are injured and their families!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If it was a foreign terrorist attack watch out.. Their is no Room in this world for Killers of Inercent people because " That Starts Wars Remember 7-11 ."

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Steven C. Schultz:

" Who could do something so terrible to innocents? "

Young jihadis would, for once. Or was that a rethorical question?

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

One of those killed was an 8 yr old child. My question to those who did this, what did this kid do to deserve that? If you want to die for your cause, good for you. At least be a man about it and go against an armed military after all, when you die for your cause you are supposed to go to some other reward in the after life. Don't kill innocents, and go against those who are armed to defend themselves.

The only thing that will come out of this will be the slowing down of the gun legislation and immigration reforms. I don't think the American people will be willing to make those radical changes, since those who are supposedly armed and looking out for us completely failed in this case. It doesn't matter if they were from the Middle East or homegrown, the system failed.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The key difference between Rudolf's attack and the Weatherman is that right-wing extremist Rudolf targeted a joyous gathering

Bombs suck, whether they're at a somber or a joyful occasion.....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

About 20 years ago the IRA set off two bombs in Warrington, killing two children. This attack in Boston is quite similar in many respects. I wonder how many IRA supporters in Boston supported the first attack, yet are outraged by the second?

5 ( +8 / -2 )

It's a sad day, that's for sure. Saw some picture of one guy who had both his legs blown off. Man, he was probably just there cheering some runners on that day, now he's missing his legs. I really have very little faith left in humanity. I just can't fathom how someone would think hurting others like this would be a good idea to get their point across.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I don't suppose there were any bomb sniffing dogs there and if there were, would it have helped discover the explosives on time?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The last time the US government jumped to conclusions, it invaded the wrong country.

But once, Obama finds out which country is the right country, it's ok to invade then. Good to know.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I hope that they are using due vigilence and not just trying to round up anyone just to be PC. One thing that was also mentioned, and I hope it is not the case but some of those who were in the VIP section were family members from the Newton school shooting massacre. I hope that none of them were injured if indeed that report turns out to be true.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

A sad day for America. My heart goes out to all of you and to the people that it directly affected.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What's funny is that you don't mention any of the below for any sort of balance and jumped immediately to tag this as a right wing extremist thing with zero facts but just your own fantasy at this point.

The "balance" comes from the two sources that have to be considered at the top of the list of suspects: right-wing extremists and Islamic extremists.

The "fact" is the M.O. of the two groups: targeting innocent civilians, as radical Islamists have done, and as the right-wing extremists have done -- and as was done in Boston today with a shrapnel-loaded device. Your "example" shows the target as being a bridge. One doesn't take down a bridge with an anti-personnel device. What happened in Boston today is more akin to the Olympic Park bombing and the one planned for the MLK Day parade -- where people were the primary targets.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

a lot of deaths around the world in different places doesnt take away from the fact that on a peaceful day so many lives were shattered.So i extend my sympathies to all who got caught up in this terrible happening.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I am now just waiting for the conspiracy crowd to chime up with claims that this was "an inside job" by the US government or some such.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

What a despicable act to target innocents especially on a day like the Boston Marathon..

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Seriously, folks. There are no suspects at all currently.

No one has claimed responsibility.

No one has been arrested.

The police have released absolutely no information that could be construed as knowing who did this.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Horrible stuff. RIP to those lost and my sympathies to those living who lost them, as well as to those injured. I hope they find those responsible and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Terrible news indeed. I don't suspect an international terrorist ring. It seems a bit crude. I suspect a single whacko. Lets hop the death toll does not rise.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The "balance" comes from the two sources that have to be considered at the top of the list of suspects: right-wing extremists and Islamic extremists.

Explain rationally why Occupy should get a pass on your list of suspects? It isn't like the movement also engaged in violent civil disobedience protests in the past. Or that Boston is a major hub for corporations especially the insurance industry and Boston would be a prime target for a protest against the one percent. Why are they off your list?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

There is also video of someone carrying two backpacks that the police are trying to find. However, it will take some time before we know much about what happened or who did it. The first priorities are to treat the fallen and protect people from follow-up attacks.

My guess at this time is a single unabubba: a right militant fanatic like Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh, etc. did the bombing.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is just an extraordinary shame. I don't know what to say.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

viking68:

" My guess at this time is a single unabubba: a right militant fanatic like Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh, etc. did the bombing "

That is theoratically possible, but considering the long list of attempted jihadist attacks of precisely this type (like the attempted NY Times Square bombing, the attempted Chicago bar bombing and dozens of others) that is highly unlikely. The overwhelming chance is that this is an individual jihadist attack that succeeded.

Coincidentally, Al Quaeda`s "Inspire" magazine has been calling for precisely this sort of small-scale, distributed terrorism in recent months. Read it.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Smells of the London attack. Maybe too soon to tell, but doesn't ring domestic, IMO.

This was a well-planned, coordinated attack intended to maximize fear. Who would want to instill fear on the people of the US? Opportunists. Revenge-seekers.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Looks like domestic terrorism !!!! Monday was a special holiday for Massachusetts, " Patriots Day " !!!

Now they are looking for a man wearing a black hoodie and a Penske Truck.....

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

" My guess at this time is a single unabubba: a right militant fanatic like Eric Rudolph, Timothy McVeigh, etc. did the bombing "

If you look in the past, right wing groups tend to attack things that offend them, like government buildings (McVey), or abortion clinics, or things that tend to go against their grain. Innocents may be killed, but they don't tend to just go out and kill just to kill but to make a statement. The Islamists, tend on the other hand just to kill for killings sake.

It is indeed Patriots Day in Boston, and the most logical target would have been a Federal building since it is tax day. The Boston Marathon has nothing to do with the current status of the US government and it's dealings with people in the muslim, or other parts of the world. It is just a race, normally won by men who come from areas who that are majority muslim. I would even say that the Kenyan or other East African who won is from an Islamic country. Bombing this event would not do anything to make a point for any right wing group, but some nut jobs in other lands, they just see it as attacking America at an "American Institution."

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"Could be right wing extremists." That's a laugh! Why would right-wing extremists bomb a public event? Don't they want less government? Don't they want the right to keep their guns? Doing this would take away even more freedom than we've already lost. And let's not forget, there were bomb sniffing dogs all over the place. If a group was smart enough to make bombs that could get past tons of dogs and police, and smart enough to get them in place without being found, you're not talking about right wing extremists who are stupid enough to bomb a public event. But I'm sure the media will keep it open as a topic, and idiots will keep repeating it.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Tough guys! Way to go attacking unarmed people running. This is just nuts!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

We should not be surprised by this sort of terrorism, I have been saying for ages, all terrorists need to get lucky ONCE!! Here it shows, the FBI, CIA, NSA and the local authorities were caught with their pants down, and Al Qaeda etc... are now jumping for joy, giving each other high fives! We, the USA, need to learn a thing or two from Israel!! Anybody here still gonna say we should close down Guantanamo?? RIP and let's all learn from this evil madness

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Alphaape: If you look in the past, right wing groups tend to attack things that offend them, like government buildings (McVey), or abortion clinics, or things that tend to go against their grain. Innocents may be killed, but they don't tend to just go out and kill just to kill but to make a statement. The Islamists, tend on the other hand just to kill for killings sake.

These are all valid and good points. Just to put the record straight (as in make things less predictable), Eric Rudolph set off the bomb at the Atlanta Olympics, which is contrary to your supposition of domestic terrorists attacking things that offend them. Terrorists tend to either have a kill till they drop plan or plan a continuing series of attacks, e.g., the famous IRA bombing where the bombers were actually targeting the investigators of a first bombing, the London bombings, the attack in India.

There were three bombs. One bomb was set off by the police using a water cannon, which is normally used to disarm them. The second bomb was triggered 15 seconds after the first and separated by only 100 yards, which supports the idea that one person could have planted and triggered the bombs. We haven't seen other bombs going off, so the complexity seems lower than what you would find with a foreign terrorist.

To be complete, this bombing could also be similar to the Times Square bomber, which thankfully failed. That is, a home brew jihadis, but domestic just the same. And as another commentator (WilliB) mentioned, al Queda is pushing for more smaller attacks by domestic Jihadis. No reason to think that this couldn't be the case here. I just don't think you will see al Queda operatives or other international domestic terrorists directly involved with this bombing.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

mistake: international terrorists, not international domestic terrorists.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ viking68, Rudolph had an agenda against abortion, homosexulaity, and other right wing fundalmental ideas. He had done bombings at abotion clinics and other places that he felt were promoting an agenda. The Boston Marathon doesn't promote any such ideas, just a bunch of people running 26 miles. So I just don't think that it would be considered as something that a far right lunatic would target. The Olympics, maybe since those types may feel that it is just an attempt to do away with American soverignty and fall under some international organization.

All that being said, this just points out to Islamic terrorists. When you consider that this is an "American event" known throughout the world with international attention. I just hope that the right parties are found who were behind this, and that whatever actions we take if they are military will not result in another war that last 10 years.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

University of Mobile’s Cross Country Coach, who was near the finish line of the Boston Marathon when a series of explosions went off, said he thought it was odd there were bomb sniffing dogs at the start and finish lines.

"They kept making announcements to the participants do not worry, it's just a training exercise," Coach Ali Stevenson told a Local TV station

Stevenson said he saw law enforcement spotters on the roofs at the start of the race. He's been in plenty of marathons in Chicago, D.C., Chicago, London and other major metropolitan areas but has never seen that level of security before.   "Evidently, I don't believe they were just having a training exercise," Stevenson said. "I think they must have had some sort of threat or suspicion called in."

CNN reports a state government official said there were no credible threats before the race.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Anybody here still gonna say we should close down Guantanamo??

Of course not! It a symbol of a modern US....

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Alphaape, good points again. I am leaning more towards a McVeigh than a Rudolph if it is domestic.

For example, you have patriots day, tax day, and a well known U.S. marathon that would be ripe for a domestic terrorist like McVeigh. The bombing didn't attack a governmental institution, which have been targets for domestic terrorists. Patriots day means nothing to me since I am not from the area, but it could mean something to a domestic terrorist living in the area or a foreign terrorist with an understanding of what the day means to people in Boston.

I'm certainly not bent on attributing this to domestic terrorism. The easy answer is foreign terrorists or (more likely) domestic terrorists inspired by foreign terrorists.

Hope the authorities learn quickly who was behind it because whoever did this is still on the loose.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

To viking68 mistake: international terrorists, not international domestic terrorists.

It's very complicated - to come in hostile land, very well awared by previous attack and organised such thing

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I heard about this on the bus into work this morning... such big brave terrorists, attacking people having a lovely day out. Kind of thing the IRA used to do. RIP to those who died, my condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and my wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can't believe some of the unfounded guesswork going on here, ranging from the usual partisan clap-trap right down to the unhinged conspiracies.....

As yet, from the top down nobody has a clue as to what has happened, other than more shocking inner city carnage at a sports event.

People should wait and let the FBI and the intelligence agencies investigate and desist with the nonsense, lest it inspire any armed nutcases to set out on a revenge based on unfounded suppositions they read on the internet.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Coincidentally, Al Quaeda`s "Inspire" magazine has been calling for precisely this sort of small-scale, distributed terrorism in recent months. Read it

I would rather not - I do not want my IP address picked up as having connected with that site as I am sure you will get on a list for further review by the security services. However, what you say makes me think of a couple of things: 1) how relatively easy it is to make homemade devices devices; and 2) Al Quaeda is now much weaker and probably does not have the capacity to organise anything akin to 9/11.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The Boston marathon is the oldest and most prestigious marathon in the world with a history going back to 1897 and is the most popular sporting event in New England attracting over 500,000 viewers to come out a spring day. The state holiday of "Patriot's Day" was created in Mass in 1969 to give people the same Monday off as when the marathon is run there. The people in Mass get a three day weekend to enjoy the start of spring.

Unless you have an agenda where no tragedy goes to waste to try to take advantage to dehumanize and demonize your political opponents or an obvious bias to slant newstories to favor your political agenda, trying to connect this to the holiday itself as the real reason this date was chosen for this atrocity is pretty huge stretch. The holiday itself is downplayed so much that most people refer to it just as "Marathon Monday" and not even by the official name "Patriots Day". I think one can state with a pretty good degree of confidence just based on the facts and common sense that it was the marathon itself for the target attraction to whoever did this and not really anything to do with the fact that it fell on a recently made up an pretty obscure holiday that most folks had never heard of until today outside of the Northeast.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Olegek

No, it's called living in a war zone, which Boston isn't.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I don't suppose there were any bomb sniffing dogs there and if there were, would it have helped discover the explosives on time?

They did. I'm looking at WCVB Boston's site periodically. and they said they were probably being watched, and the bombs placed when the dogs went elsewhere. They were at the finish line, 50 meters back, and under the bleachers (those were found unexploded). They seem to be simple backpack bombs, no C4 detected. One was in a trashcan, and one was thought to be on the ground, given that so many had legs sheared off below the knee.

An apartment on Ocean Ave was raided by the Feds about 4 hours ago.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

In Revere...sorry.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

USNinJapan2APR. 16, 2013 - 05:34PM JST Olegek

No, it's called living in a war zone, which Boston isn't.

Because the war on a terror has no boundaries in space or time....

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Olegek:

" Because the war on a terror has no boundaries in space or time.... "

But, but.... according to the Obama administration, there is no "war on terror" any more. Now we only have "Overseas Contingency Operations". So where does that leave us?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Very sadly for the good people of Boston and vicinity such an evil was visited upon them. In the days and weeks to come, an official version of the terrible events will surface. Perhaps some variety of extremist group(s) will come forward to lay claim. What is sure is that innocents have been victimized. Already, some extremists are celebrating, as evil people do when others die at the hands of such violence. Shame on the perpetrator (s) and supporters.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I will wait and see what the investigations have to say. For the moment, I'm leaning towards Al-Q raising it's ugly head again, as it's just their kind of target

2 ( +2 / -0 )

At first I thought this was some how related to someone who had a "beef" against the Davidian Compound in Waco, TX and then the Oklahoma City bombing. Didn't these two incidents take place very close to April 15th? I thought there was a connection but so far no indication of that as of yet. Anyway, I'm a marathon runner and am so saddened by this news. Imagine running a full marathon only to be greeting by a bomb at the finish line. Also so disappointing for those runners who couldn't even finish the race because it had to be aborted. What a shame! Another sad day for the world especially the victims, their families, loved ones, friends, etc, etc.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Tom DeMicke

Also so disappointing for those runners who couldn't even finish the race because it had to be aborted. What a shame!

True, but at least it wasn't the first ever marathon for any of them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What a despicable act to target innocents especially on a day like the Boston Marathon.

The cowardice of this attack is indescribable. But these words will be lost on the cur. Whether this act of meaningless violence was due to terrorists with an agenda that creates and shows nothing but destruction and hatred or the act of a lone psychopath remains unknown for now.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am curious about the shop where the explosion came from. Was it a timed bomb or did someone walk in, set it down by the window then walk away?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Explain rationally why Occupy should get a pass on your list of suspects?

I never said anyone got a "pass." I asserted the two who should be at the top of the list.

It isn't like the movement also engaged in violent civil disobedience protests in the past.

There is simply no rational evidence that Occupy ever as much as even contemplated any kind of violence of this nature. The would-be Cleveland bombers mentioned in one post had rejected Occupy as not being "proactive" enough. I can explain rationally that it's impossible to garner the support of the 99% while trying to randomly bomb them.

On the other hand, over the past two decades, every domestic terror conspiracy (that is, not the work of a crazed individual) targeting ordinary people has come from the extreme right-wing, the failed attempt to bomb bystanders at an MLK Day parade is but one example.

Was it significant in any way that the last mile of the marathon was dedicated to the families and victims of Sandy Hook? And that, as a result of that tragedy, America has taken on a relentless drive to improved gun safety -- a movement that has greatly angered extremists. Is it just a coincidence that today was supposed to have been a National Call-In Day to support gun safety legislation, but now has been postponed?

If it was an Al-Qaeda or Islamic group, they would not hesitate very long to claim responsibility for the attack. April, on the other hand, is the month when Waco, Oklahoma City, and Columbine occurred, and when Rudolf issued his "statement" justifying the attacks in Atlanta. And now Boston, on Patriot's Day. Note that no one claimed responsibility for the Oklahoma City or Atlanta bombings -- a pattern, according to the FBI, consistent with a domestic perpetrator.

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I will wait and see what the investigations have to say. For the moment, I'm leaning towards Al-Q raising it's ugly head again, as it's just their kind of target

the bombs were too amateurish (pipe bombs). not pros like c4. leaning towards domestic terrorism.

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maglev101:

" the bombs were too amateurish (pipe bombs). not pros like c4. leaning towards domestic terrorism. "

And how does "amateurish" and "domestic" contradict Al Quaeda?? Does Al Quaeda for you consist of polished professionals, all residing abroad? Sorry, but that is not so.

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yabits:

" If it was an Al-Qaeda or Islamic group, they would not hesitate very long to claim responsibility "

It does not have to be a group. A fanatical individual, inspired by Al Quaeda videos and messages is quite enough. In fact, that description fits both the NY Times Square bomber and the Chicago Bar bomber, both of which got caught in time.. Had they not, the result would have looked very much like this.

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If the US wants to protect its citizens from such attacks, it shouldn't focus on tightening security but rather on avoiding the temptation to stick its nose into everyone else's business.

If the US wants to play god, if its economic and military might afford it the confidence to act as a god, then it should do so with a precise plan, a clear and ordered morality, and the readiness to go all in on what may be a poor hand should that morality lead it to such a point. Its Western ethnocentrism is not appreciated by anyone if it such a value system only serves the valuer.

Simply folding every time the odds of success don't look good whilst still persisting to play is only going to piss off the other players who must gamble to develop in a world that has modernised and developed a hundred times faster than they.

The fact of the matter is that the US wears the mask of the virtuous savior but only acts when it would stand to gain money or when inaction would result in a loss of money. It would probably stop making so many enemies if it either committed itself to some kind of genuine effort to assist nations in need or simply stopped interfering halfheartedly.

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In fact, that description fits both the NY Times Square bomber and the Chicago Bar bomber, both of which got caught in time.

There are significant differences between the bombing yesterday and the failed attempts in Times Square and Chicago.

The most important point is that Americans must be vigilant in most situations now. Dismissing someone because he or she appears to look like "your average American" could have a disastrous outcome.

It is highly likely that the bombs were planted after the race started, and perhaps only a relative few minutes before detonation. I am of the opinion that a person who looks like Eric Rudolf or Tim McVeigh would have attracted less attention than a Faizal Shahzad or Adel Daoud. Remember we are talking about planting two bombs here, with twice the chance of attracting attention. (Just one significant difference between the "descriptions.")

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There is simply no rational evidence that Occupy ever as much as even contemplated any kind of violence of this nature

Either because you never looked for it or just ignore it because it doesn't fit with your political agenda..

NYPD: Occupy Wallstreet activists had bomb-making chemicals and instructions

http://www.examiner.com/article/nypd-occupy-wallstreet-activists-had-bomb-making-chemicals-and-instructions

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Either because you never looked for it or just ignore it because it doesn't fit with your political agenda..

There's just no reliable information connecting Occupy with promoting or endorsing violence... The only thing linking the herion addicts with OWS is the following:

"A New York Post piece reported Monday that Gliedman is the daughter of a prominent Manhattan doctor and that her boyfriend is a Harvard graduate and an Occupy Wall Street activist."

This is the same NY Post which declared the death toll in yesterday's bombing to be 12, and that the FBI had a suspect in custody. It could be that the reason you accept false reports is because it fits with your character. You completely ignored the fact that the would-be Cleveland bridge bombers left the Occupy movement because the movement would not condone or support any such action.

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No more bickering.

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Anyone waiting and believing they are going to get or have heard timely accurate information from the authorities while letting those responsible for the attack know what they know, just don't have a clue as to the way the government operates. They will out and out lie about what they know and don't know.

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Although no one has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks in Boston, one ultra-conservative group is already crowing over the results:

http://www.usnews.com/news/newsgram/articles/2013/04/16/boston-bombing-funerals-will-be-picketed-westboro-baptist-church-says

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The single terrorist is the one that may be impossible to stop. Meanwhile George Takei of Star Trek fame put it this way.

George Takei

When tragedies strike, heroes rise to meet the challenge: the first responders seen sprinting toward the blast site, the runners who changed course to run to local hospitals to donate blood, and the fine citizens of Boston who at once opened their homes to marathoners in need of a place to stay. When we come together, we cannot be brought down.

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I asserted the two who should be at the top of the list.

I assert that no one should be excluded at this stage and until the investigation starts to show what path it is taking and that there is no "top of the list" right now at all. It could be islamic, right wing extremist, left wing extremist or just plain no politics or cause involved at all but just a mental sociopath just wanting to kill for the sake of it and getting some sort of perverse thrill out of it.

What I've done is pointed out that there is in fact left wing extremists who have been involved with domestic bomb plots just this past year and not for the fact that I think they are the ones indeed culpable for this act because I truly do not know at this point who is behind this. My intent is not to 'bicker" with you at all but to provide J.T readers a balance to just the one sided assertions that horrid acts such as these are somehow only the exclusive domain of right wing nut cases.They are not.

I want the person or persons who did this caught and justice done. To make that happen the net to ensure the culprit is snared has to be cast as absolutely wide as possible to develop the workable leads and though you don't care for it much that includes also going after any left wing fringe extremists who may have said something at an Occupy rally or other left type event that set off a concerned persons flags to call a tip line or speak to a cop.

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The question that I want to ask is: "Is there nothing that ordinary citizens can do to help improve the level of security at events like this?"

Would more ordinary citizens determined to keep their attention focused on things around them rather than completely on an event have possibly helped in this tragic event? Here's the thing: I believe that in the planting of these bombs, something should have struck someone as suspicious, but that thing was just ignored. To head into another event without changing anything means we're just shrugging our shoulders and determined to leave things to fate. I am just not sure that is the best response to this.

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One bomb was, according to the BPD, a pressure cooker filled with nails......

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Himajin, one???

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yabits The question that I want to ask is: "Is there nothing that ordinary citizens can do to help improve the level of security at events like this?"

The answer - NO .

It is NO chance for ordinary citizen .

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And how does "amateurish" and "domestic" contradict Al Quaeda?? Does Al Quaeda for you consist of polished professionals, all residing abroad? Sorry, but that is not so.

no, but al qaeda can consist of someone who is an amateur homegrown al qaeda sympathizer.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=axQtAFtmtVA

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Indiscriminate killing is never forgiven for any reasons. I can't suppress anger and hatred against terrorists. They must go to the hell and I never forgive the perpetrators forever.

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Himajin, one???

At the time I posted, it was being said that one was a pressure cooker bomb, and one blew up in a trash can, and they weren't sure if that was a pressure cooker bomb or not.

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