FBI investigators have launched a manhunt following the twin blasts which killed three and injured scores more near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. This criminal investigation has now been called an act of terrorism, drawing painful memories of the WTC 9/11/2001 attacks that shocked the world.
The response includes state and federal law enforcement agencies, which are investigating the cause of the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere. The FBI’s Boston Division stands with the Boston Police Department (BPD) and remains on-scene. The FBI is offering its assistance in whatever capacity BPD requires. The situation remains fluid, and it remains too early to establish the cause and motivation.
The FBI has set-up 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), prompt #3, for anyone who has information, visual images, and/or details regarding the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere. No piece of information or detail is too small.
The investigation reveals that two explosive devices were detonated simultaneously four hours after the race started and near the finish line where multitude of people were crowded together.
It is not clear whether one or more suspects are being sought.
More than 175 people were wounded by these explosive devices, which were packed with gunpowder, ball bearings and shrapnel.
Previous massacres involving home-grown terrorists in 1993 at the Waco assault and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, which occurred close to, or on Patriot’s Day.