December 19, 2024 05:11 AM

Boston Bombings: City Asks for Help and FBI Requests Public Come Forward with Any Information

Law enforcement agencies are requesting the public to come forward with photos, videos or any other information that might help them solve the bombings that killed three people and injured more than 170 at the Boston Marathon on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

The FBI has suggested possibilities such as a bomber being seen amid the revelers carrying an unusually heavy bag, or the possibility that someone heard something as the bomber tested explosives or expressed interest or intent to attack the marathon.

Looking through any information, such as those presented scenarios, the public can assist law enforcement officials to find what could be a vital clue as to the identity of the culprit.

The investigators are searching surveillance tapes from businesses located near the finish line and are waiting in Logan Airport to ask travelers to share and photos or videos that might help the investigation.

"This is probably one of the most photographed areas in the country yesterday," said Boston Police Commissioner Edward David. Two security sweeps had been conducted along the marathon route before the explosions.

Investigators have circulated information about the bombs. They were made using 1.6-gallon kitchen pressure cookers packed with explosives, as well as nails, ball bearings and other lethal shrapnel. The bombs were stuffed into black bags and left on the ground. Investigators have not yet determined what was used to set off the explosives. The FBI stated that no one has claimed responsibility.

An intelligence bulletin was issued to law enforcement officials with a picture of a mangled pressure cooker and a torn black bag that were part of the bomb, according to the FBI. The remnants of the black nylon were sent to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, to undergo analysis.

Doctors who treated the wounded corroborated reports that the bombs were packed with shrapnel. Many of the victims are still in the hospital, some in serious condition.

"Someone knows who did this," said Richard DesLauriers, the FBI agent in charge of the Boston investigation, at a news conference where he discussed the details about the possible clues a bomber may have left behind. "Importantly, the person who did this is someone's friend, neighbor, co-worker or relative."

While President Obama has called the attack an act of terrorism, officials don't know "whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or was the act of a malevolent individual."

DesLauriers said cooperation from the community would be an important factor in the investigation. The range of suspects remains wide open, and by midday on Tuesday, more than 2,000 tips had been received.

Pressure cooker bombs have been used in international terrorism, including attacks in Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Pakistan, according to a July 2010 intelligence report by the FBI and Homeland Security.

This type of bomb is recommended by Al-Qaeda's Yemeni branch for use by lone-wolf attackers. The attacker used it in the May 2010 attempted bombing in Times Square.

"Placed carefully, such devices provide little or no indication of an impending attack," the report reads.

Boston police and firefighter unions announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to arrests.

The number to call is 1-800-494-TIPS.

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