As the story starts to turn from the explosions to the investigation, stay with VOA as we continue our coverage. Nearly four hours after the blasts rocked the Boston Marathon, here is what VOA knows:
Two explosions near the finish line killed two people and wounded more than fifty. A third incident took place at the nearby John F. Kennedy library about 90 minutes later, but police are not sure if it is related to the marathon blasts.
President Obama says officals do not yet know who is responsible for the bombings, but that the U.S. will find out who did this and hold them accountable. No person or group has claimed responsiblity for the bombing.
2255 UTC
This story is likely to dominate a lot of front pages around the world for several days.
2252 UTC#Boston #Marathon dominates Tuesday's UK front pages twitter.com/suttonnick/sta… - via @suttonnick #TomorrowsPapersToday #BBCPapers
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) April 15, 2013
Due to the generosity of our donors we don't need blood at this time. Please schedule for a future donation redcrossblood.org #marathon
— RedCrossEasternMA (@RedCrossEastMA) April 15, 2013
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2247 UTC
2233 UTCScene at BMC. It's calming down. #bostonmarathon #boston twitter.com/PDRosso/status…
— Patrick D. Rosso (@PDRosso) April 15, 2013
2229 UTCFlags over @uscapitol being lowered to half-staff out of respect for the victims of Boston Marathon tragedy j.mp/YqJ8zj
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) April 15, 2013
The London Marathon, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 21, has released the following statement:
We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news from Boston. Our immediate thoughts are with the people there and their families. It is a very sad day for athletics and for our friends and colleagues in marathon running.
Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news.
Met Police Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry said: "A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon."
2219 UTC
More of President Obama's public statement:
Obama said he is directing the full resources of federal government to help state and local authorities to protect our people and increase security around the country.
He added, "We don’t yet have all the answers but we do know multiple people have been wounded, some gravely in the Boston marathon."
He said he has spoken with FBI director Muller and Homeland Security director Naplitano and that they are mobilizing resources to respond. He added that he has updated leaders of congress in both parties.
He said also said Boston police, firefighters and first responders as well as the national guard responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak.
"We still do not know who did this or why and people should not jump to conclusions without all the facts. We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this and why they did this. Any responsible individual and responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
2213 UTC
President Obama says they do not yet know who is responsible for the bombings, but that the U.S. will find out who did this and hold them accountable.
2210 UTC
Watch the president's statement from the White House.
2208 UTC
AT&T says it is leaving its WiFi on at the Boston Marathon.
Boston customers may have issues w/wireless voice & data service due to spike in network activity. Our Wi-Fi remains on at #BostonMarathon.
— AT&T (@ATT) April 15, 2013
2202 UTCInteresting, is the digital equivalent of blood donation during crisis -- open up WiFi to help connect loved ones?
— Andrew Lih (@fuzheado) April 15, 2013
Authorities now say two dead and at least 50 injured in the blasts.
2153 UTC
Human nature at its best. The list of people offering a place to stay tonight: bit.ly/106kZEN #bostonmarathon #explosion
— Catherine Cloutier (@cmcloutier) April 15, 2013
2149 UTC
President Obama will make an address from the press room at the White House in about 30 minutes. No further details have been released yet.
2145 UTC
Boston police say to expect more visible security:
And people start seeing more security:People should expect to see high policevisibility at key locations #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
2139 UTCPolice w automatic weapons @ Brigham now#wcvb twitter.com/wcvbkelleyt/st…
— Kelley Tuthill (@wcvbkelleyt) April 15, 2013
2136 UTCJust got some numbers from the BAA: 23,326 started the marathon. Of those, 17,584 finished. 4,496 did not.
— Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) April 15, 2013
Google has started a person finder for those looking for people who may have been at the Boston Marathon today.
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2131 UTCTimes Square right now twitter.com/clarerrrr/stat…
— Clare Richardson (@clarerrrr) April 15, 2013
The White House has released a photo of President Obama on the phone with officials in Boston today.
2123 UTC
New from the Boston police:
2118 UTCUpdate JFK incident appears to be fire related #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
Via Computer World: A fixed camera captured the moment two explosions rocked the finish line of today's Boston Marathon.
2116 UTC
Statement from Gov on #BostonMarathon tragedy: governor.ny.gov/press/04152013… There is heightened security @ #1WTC & on transit #MTA
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 15, 2013
2114 UTC
2110 UTCMARATHON EXPLOSIONS: Boston hospitals report more than 100 being treated after Marathon explosions.
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
Incredible video of the explosions as they happened from Boston.com
http://www.youtube.com/embed/046MuD1pYJg
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2105 UTCCellphone service shut down in Boston to prevent remote detonations of explosives, official says: apne.ws/ZwBMKb -CC
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 15, 2013
2103 UTCMarathoners picking up their possessions at Bolston & Berkeley. twitter.com/taylordobbs/st…
— Taylor Dobbs (@taylordobbs) April 15, 2013
Police may continue blowing things up (controled explosions) in next couple of hours.
2100 UTC
From the Boston police department:
2059 UTCPolice stabilizing situation -checking packages #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
2057 UTC#Bruins game vs. Ottawa has been postponed
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
More from the Boston press conference:
2054 UTCA third incident at JFK library. Not certain related- but BPD treating like they are #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
Edward Davis, Boston Police Commissioner, says the blasts occurred 50 to 100 yards apart. Multiple casualties. All victims been removed from scene. Sent officers to hospitals to be in touch with family members and possible witnesses. Immediately activated system of resposnse that the commonwealth of Massachusettes has in place.
First calls were to FBI and state police.
There is a third incident, an explosion at the JFK Library. But authorities are not certain incidents are related. Recommending people stay home.
Anyone with informatio
2052 UTC
The FAA has imposed a no-fly zone over the site of the Boston Marathon explosions.
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2049 UTCRT @mediaite: WATCH LIVE: Boston Officials Hold Press Conference On Marathon Explosions mediaite.com/online/watch-l… via @mediaite
— WhiteHousePressCorps (@whpresscorps) April 15, 2013
2044 UTCRegister here to find loved ones. Also - make sure they know you're safe. redcross.org/find-help
— RedCrossEasternMA (@RedCrossEastMA) April 15, 2013
The White House says President Obama has called Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and told them his administration would provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response.
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Police telling people on scene of Boston Marathon #explosions to not use cell phones because could set off other devices
— ABC News (@ABC) April 15, 2013
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2031 UTCFamilies with signs hoping to find their runners twitter.com/megansarahj/st…
— Megan Johnson (@megansarahj) April 15, 2013
News conference in 15 minutes Westin Hotel #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
BREAKING: Multiple explosive devices found, at least 2 which exploded, officials tell NBC News
— NBC Nightly News (@nbcnightlynews) April 15, 2013
BREAKING NEWS: Police getting multiple reports of unexploded devices around Boston
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
2030 UTC
Runners reuniting with family on Berkeley st by back bay hotel. Lots of oh Thank gods. twitter.com/megansarahj/st…
— Megan Johnson (@megansarahj) April 15, 2013
2028 UTC
Director of emergency services at Mass General describes injuries as "from a war zone" #WCVB #bostonexplosion #Boston #marathon
— Liam Martin (@LiamWCVB) April 15, 2013
2026 UTCBPD aggressively moving ppl now. Saying anyone nearby is in danger. #BostonMararthon #wbz yfrog.us/gvffshboivhhua…
— Jim Armstrong(@JimArmstrongWBZ) April 15, 2013
The New York Times just published a very useful graphic of the explosion locations.
Meanwhile, New York City is stepping up security at various locations in response to the blasts in Boston.
NYPD is stepping up security at hotels and prominent locations in NYC until more is known about #BostonMarathon.
— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) April 15, 2013
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2020 UTCIf you are concerned for a friend that ran the #BostonMarathon today, you can see their last check-in here: raceday.baa.org/individual.html
— NowThis News (@nowthisnews) April 15, 2013
At least one college in the Boston area is sending out alerts to its students.
2016 UTCExplosions reported at Boston Marathon Finish Line. Please stay away from Copley Square area. Please remain on campus until further notice.
— Emerson College (@EmersonCollege) April 15, 2013
Runners emerging from Comm. Ave. tunnel. They're telling me they won't be allowed to finish. Spectators applaud. twitter.com/taylordobbs/st…
— Taylor Dobbs (@taylordobbs) April 15, 2013
2014 UTC
More pictures of the aftermath from Twitter.
Police react in aftermath of explosion #bostonmarathon #boylstonst (John Tlumacki photo) twitter.com/BGlobeSports/s…
— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) April 15, 2013
2010 UTCPhoto from our John Tlumacki of explosion on #BoylstonSt #BostonMarathon twitter.com/BGlobeSports/s…
— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) April 15, 2013
In a post on Facebook, Boston marathon says: "There were two bombs that exploded near the finish line in today's Boston Marathon. We are working with law enforcemen
Boston police say 2 are dead and 23 were injured by the explosions.
Update 23 injuries2 dead #tweetfromthebeat
— Cheryl Fiandaca (@CherylFiandaca) April 15, 2013
2000 UTC
A spokeswoman for Massachusetts General Hospital said four patients were being treated there.
A New York City Police Department spokesman said the city has stepped up security around landmarks in Manhattan, including near prominent hotels, in response to the blast.
Here are some early pictures and video of the explosions.
Explosion at coply twitter.com/Boston_to_a_T/…
— Boston to a T (@Boston_to_a_T) April 15, 2013
http://vine.co/v/bFdt5uwg6JZ/embed/simpleThe first #photo from the scene of the #Boston Marathon. #Breaking twitter.com/theinquisitr/s…
— The Inquisitr (@theinquisitr) April 15, 2013
This claims to be a video of the explosion at the Boston marathon: