Explosions at Boston Marathon Finish Line (Update: FBI Taking Over Investigation)
Two large explosions have disrupted the end of the Boston Marathon. CNN is reporting injuries. The attached photo of one explosion has been posted on Twitter. CNN has reported several injuries. There is a live feed here on CBS of the finish line of the marathon. The wreckage is visible. Sports blog Deadspin also has info here.
We will post updates at Reason 24/7 for those who want to continue following the story. I will endeavor to post updates here as well as more information becomes available.
UPDATE: Here is a link to CBS Boston's live coverage. Their servers have been hit pretty hard, so it may take a few tries to get a link.
UPDATE: Reason contributor Garrett Quinn has attempted to get to the scene of the explosions and is tweeting about what he's seeing here.
UPDATE: Here is clear footage of the explosions from the Boston Globe:
UPDATE: The White House is now in contact with local authorities regarding the investigation of the explosions. The source of the explosions still has not been revealed, but there was an additional controlled explosion by authorities of a suspicious package.
UPDATE: CBS News and a Boston Police Twitter feed are reporting two deaths and 23 injuries so far.
UPDATE: Officials have told NBC News that the explosions were due to devices of some sort.
UPDATE: The FAA has ordered a no-fly zone over the site of the explosions until further notice.
UPDATE: Boston.com has raised the number of people injured to 64.
UPDATE: At a press conference, Boston's police commissioner said there has been a third explosion at the JFK Library. They don't know if it's related to the explosions at the marathon, but they're treating it as if it is. Bags abandoned at the the site are being treated as potentially dangerous, but they have NOT uncovered additional devices. The commissioner said there were no reports of injuries at the library. There will be another press conference at 7 p.m. EST.
UPDATE: Cell phone service has been shut down in Boston for fear that they could be used to remotely detonate additional explosives.
UPDATE: Police are backtracking on whether the JFK incident involved an explosion. On Twitter they're saying it appears to have been a fire.
UPDATE: Now authorities are backtracking about whether cell phone service has been shut down. (You can see why I'm being careful about some of the gossip showing up on Twitter.)
UPDATE: President Barack Obama will be speaking at 6 p.m. EST about the incident.
UPDATE: The Boston police commissioner says reports of a suspect in custody are not true.
UPDATE: President Barack Obama gave a brief speech and took no questions. The federal government is mobilizing to assist the investigation. He added, "We still don't know who did this and why and people shouldn't jump to conclusions. … Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
UPDATE: Boston.com is reporting that the number of people seeking medical assistance for injuries due to explosion is up to at least 107.
UPDATE: Multiple news reports are saying one of the two killed in the blasts was an 8-year-old child.
UPDATE: The FBI has taken charge of the investigation. The FBI head at an evening press conference has described the crime as a "potential terrorist investigation."
UPDATE: The Boston Police commissioner said in an evening press conference that there were three dead from the attack.
UPDATE: Boston police and federal officials have searched an apartment in connection with the attack.