Two bombs — in two different locations — detonated next to the Boston Marathon finish line this afternoon, about three hours after the winners crossed the line. Google has established a person finder for the incident here.
The Boston Police Department estimates that two explosions, possibly detonated by a remote device, occurred at around 2:50 PM, injuring at least 100 people and killing two, including an 8-year-old. Police say no suspects are in custody, though they are “questioning many people.”
Some pictures from the scene:
The New York Times has a rough map of where the explosions took place:
While the official cause of the explosion is unknown, law enforcement officials tell NBC News that small homemade bombs may be responsible and CBS News is reporting that “police have surveillance video of someone bringing multiple backpacks into area 20 minutes or so before explosions.”
Police have found at least two more devices, which are being dismantled. The Federal Aviation Administration has also set up no-fly zone over the site.
Massachusetts General Hospital has at least 22 patients, 6 are in critical condition and five are in serious condition. The Director of Emergency Services describes the injury as “from a war zone.” An AP reporter also says that Newtown families were in the VIP section, by the explosion, but were not injured.
New York Police say they are increasing security in response to today’s tragedy. In Washington D.C., the Secret Service is “beginning to cordon off Pennsylvania Avenue” and tightening security around the White House.
The White House says that President Obama has been notified of the incident in Boston and “His administration is in contact with state and local authorities. He directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response.” Obama received a briefing from Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco and other members of his senior White House staff.
At around 5:00 PM, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) requested a moment of silence on the House Floor for the victims, which will take place at 6:30 PM. President Obama will address the nation at 6:10 PM.
More graphic pictures below.
A video from the scene: