After both of the bombs went off, Photo credit: CNN.com
HerCampus Illinois State sends our thoughts and prayers to all affected by today’s bombing in Boston. According to several sources, including CNN and FOX News, the bombing took place at the 2013 Boston Marathon, which had around 27,000 runners.
The two bombs went off around 2:50p.m., almost three hours after the first runners crossed the finish line. The death toll from the bombings has risen to three, with ten people with amputated limbs and around 90 with other injuries. Witnesses at the marathon said it was a very horrific scene with people running in confusion, injuries everywhere, and chaos surrounding them. Everyone was seeking shelter and trying to helps those who were wounded. After watching some of the live footage of the bombing I myself got goosebumps, it looked to be an extremely traumatic scene.
Right after the chaos, it was unsure what the cause of the explosions was. Police have no one in custody and are trying to figure out the true source of the bombs that were placed on each side of the finish line. News stations are now calling this a terrorist attack. The Department of Homeland security was said to have found two unexploded devices around the race area and believe this was a planned attack. Security at the White House and major cities has increased for precaution purposes.
Today is Patriot’s day in Massachusetts, celebrating the free and independent spirit of the state from earlier times in history. It is times like this that we as Americans need to stand together and help the people who were affected. President Obama made a statement around 6:15p.m., stating, “We still do not know who did this or why … but make no mistake: We will get to the bottom of (this). We will find out who did this. We will find out why they did this. … Any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.“
Paramedics helping the victims of the bombing, Photo Credit: CNN.com