By DANNY SCHMIDT, editor-in-chief
The Boston Marathon was rocked Monday afternoon when two bombs exploded about 50 to 100 yards apart, injuring 144 people and killing three, according to multiple news outlets.
The marathon had about 23,000 runners from all over the world participating. The explosions, which took place less than a minute apart, occurred right around a common time runners strive to finish. The first bomb went off right before the finish line on Boylston Street.
Two other bombs were found near the end of the marathon, according to a senior U.S. intelligence official.
President Barack Obama, in a press conference, said whoever is responsible will feel the full weight of justice.
“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. “But make no mistake: we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this. We will find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice.”
The explosions have caused security to be ratcheted up all over the country.
“I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other and move forward as one proud city,” Obama said. “And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.”
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said there were no threats before the explosion and security had checked the surrounding areas before the race.
Davis doesn’t believe there is any terrorism involved.
At about the same time as the marathon explosions, a fire broke out at the JFK Library in Boston. The library later tweeted the fire came from a mechanical problem and had nothing to do with the marathon bombings.
As soon as the explosions went off, people began running into the street and helping those in need.
The Boston Bruins hockey game has been postponed, and other events are likely to be, as well.
ESPN’s Bonnie Ford went on television and discussed how unfortunate the incidents were, especially with the uniqueness of the Boston Marathon.
“This is a marathon you have to qualify for in your age group,” Ford said. “It’s a marathon that’s on every marathoners list to do. That’s not an exaggeration. It was a gorgeous day. The kind of day where this is the last thing on your mind.”
