# Explosions at Boston Marathon **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 15, 2013, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781 "2013-04-15T19:16:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/401 "2013-04-16T14:54:48Z")
> [@XT](#): > > The thing that got to me really hard last night was the 8 year old boy waiting for his father to finish the race who was killed. ☹ That was contradicted by Rep. Steven Lynch on Morning Joe today. Lynch spoke to the family of the little boy. The father was not a runner, they were there supporting friends who were running. The little boy died, his sister lost a leg, and his mother had brain surgery. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/402 "2013-04-16T15:01:09Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > That was contradicted by Rep. Steven Lynch on Morning Joe today. Lynch spoke to the family of the little boy. The father was not a runner, they were there supporting friends who were running. The little boy died, his sister lost a leg, and his mother had brain surgery. That’s actually even worse. ☹ Thanks for the correction…I’ve been avoiding the news today) ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/403 "2013-04-16T16:22:00Z")
> [@Chris\_Luongo](#): > > [Boston cops, feds descend on Revere building](http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/04/boston_cops_feds_descend_on_revere_building) > > [Revere apt searched](http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/04/16/apartment-searched-marathon-explosions/CBUjEY1ktWNHx6upXVZKlI/story.html) And it is now being reported that the Saudi man in the hospital apparently had nothing to do with this. [From NBC:](http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/15/17767721-officials-to-public-send-photos-video-from-boston-marathon-bombings?lite) > [@](#): > > Overnight, law enforcement officials searched a suburban Boston apartment building, interviewed a man and removed a duffel bag and two trash bags. But a law enforcement official later told NBC News that nothing of interest was found. They also issued alerts for a rental van and a man seen leaving the scene of the blasts. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/404 "2013-04-16T17:12:30Z")
> [@edwards\_beard](#): > > I was listening to the radio this morning (98.5 the sports hub) and one of the hosts (Rich) lives in the building that one of the bombs went off in front of. He was on air this morning telling about how he was right where it went off with his son about 15 minutes before the explosion. He then described how he tried to get his family out of the building (his wife was JUST released from the hospital from having chemotherapy and isn’t supposed to be doing any physical activity) and having to hide his kids faces as the bombs blew people in to his lobby through the windows. This segment was posted online today. Some of it has been transcribed in the article, but it is chilling to listen to him tell the story. (found in the link in the bottom of the page) [http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/04/16/rich-shertenlieb-shares-his-story-from-marathon-monday/](http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/04/16/rich-shertenlieb-shares-his-story-from-marathon-monday/) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/405 "2013-04-16T17:19:10Z")
More info on the bomb and its possible origins. The cell phone trigger could be connected to the guy on the roof. They are still looking for him. That would have been a logical place to detonate the bomb and watch the carnage. [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/16/marathon-bombs-likely-made-from-pressure-cookers-shrapnel-say-experts/](http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/16/marathon-bombs-likely-made-from-pressure-cookers-shrapnel-say-experts/) > [@](#): > > The FBI has not commented on the nature of the two devices used in the blasts, but sources close to the investigation say shredded pieces of pressure cookers were found at the blast sites, indicating the bombs were made from kitchen devices. > > A source close to the investigation told Fox News that the style of the device used closely resembles that commonly seen in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Another source confirmed that “pressure cookers were used in both devices.” > [@](#): > > There are many shocking and terrifying pictures of the Boston Marathon bombing, but one of a mysterious man on a rooftop during the second explosion has Twitter buzzing with speculation. > > The picture, taken by spectator Dan Lampariello, shows what appears to be a man walking on the roof of a building near the site of the second bomb > > Read more: [Mysterious picture of man on roof during Boston Marathon bombing goes viral, prompts speculation – New York Daily News](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/man-roof-picture-boston-marathon-bombing-prompts-speculation-article-1.1317947#ixzz2QeF12jb0) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/406 "2013-04-16T17:20:03Z")
It’s a long shot but I wonder if anyone investigated [this anti-Government bomber found dead in California on Sunday night](http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57579632/calif-man-killed-in-house-explosion-bombs-found-in-home/) for ties to Boston. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/407 "2013-04-16T17:27:36Z")
> [@](#): > > The FBI has not commented on the nature of the two devices used in the blasts, but sources close to the investigation say shredded pieces of pressure cookers were found at the blast sites, indicating the bombs were made from kitchen devices. Ah-HA!! Clearly the work of the Iron Chefs!! ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/408 "2013-04-16T17:34:41Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > More info on the bomb and its possible origins. The cell phone trigger could be connected to the guy on the roof. We don’t know that the bombs were triggered via cell phone. In fact that Fox article you linked to specifically says otherwise. And the guy on the roof could a be a terrorist… or, you know, a guy who lives there and who went up on the roof to smoke or watch the race for a while. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/409 "2013-04-16T18:00:43Z")
…And the second victim has been identified…a 29 year old woman cheering on her boyfriend. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/410 "2013-04-16T18:02:51Z")
I know the story is still changing hour by hour. The guy on the roof is a long shot but he’s someone they’re looking for. He may be a false lead. Hard to say right now. > [@](#): > > A third source said that the FBI is scanning cellphone tower records for the “moment of detonation.” If the moment of detonation is positively identified, the corresponding cellphone number can be traced. > > Read more: [http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/16/marathon-bombs-likely-made-from-pressure-cookers-shrapnel-say-experts/#ixzz2QeOYdfbR](http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/16/marathon-bombs-likely-made-from-pressure-cookers-shrapnel-say-experts/#ixzz2QeOYdfbR) ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/411 "2013-04-16T18:07:47Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > We don’t know that the bombs were triggered via cell phone. In fact that Fox article you linked to specifically says otherwise. And the guy on the roof could a be a terrorist… or, you know, a guy who lives there and who went up on the roof to smoke or watch the race for a while. Were I to trigger a bomb with a cellphone, I’d do it from the airport as I boarded a flight to somewhere far away, rather than hang around and watch. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/412 "2013-04-16T18:09:16Z")
Has the media identified this blonde lady in the red dress? I just wondered if she was ok. Obviously traumatized but didn’t look badly injured. I saw on NBC the guy in the cowboy hat has been identified and interviewed. He was helping the legless guy after the bomb exploded. [![](https://i.imgur.com/vgS1IxX.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/vgS1IxX.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/413 "2013-04-16T18:12:56Z")
That looks like runner’s clothing to me. Form-fitting red, long-sleeved top, black vest or something, black knee-length running shorts. ---
**Author:** ![Soylent\_Juicy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/414 "2013-04-16T18:18:30Z")
Has the gentleman in the wheelchair with both legs missing been identified yet? ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/415 "2013-04-16T18:24:49Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Were I to trigger a bomb with a cellphone, I’d do it from the airport as I boarded a flight to somewhere far away, rather than hang around and watch. If I was going to do something like that, I’d use a pre-paid cellphone that I bought with cash. And I’d probably buy it weeks or months before the attack, to minimize the chances of the cashier remembering me (and maximize the chances that any surveilance footage has since been discarded). ---
**Author:** ![leahcim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b4bc9f/32.png) [@leahcim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leahcim)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/416 "2013-04-16T18:29:50Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > If I was going to do something like that, I’d use a pre-paid cellphone that I bought with cash. And I’d probably buy it weeks or months before the attack, to minimize the chances of the cashier remembering me (and maximize the chances that any surveilance footage has since been discarded). Or say, “hey buddy, can you pick me up a prepaid phone on your way home? I’ll pay you back.” ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/417 "2013-04-16T18:35:20Z")
> [@leahcim](#): > > Or say, “hey buddy, can you pick me up a prepaid phone on your way home? I’ll pay you back.” I don’t know how much that would help. It just means that your buddy is on the surveillance footage instead of you, but then he can be identified. Once he’s found, is he a good enough buddy to take the fall for you? ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/418 "2013-04-16T18:36:55Z")
Just wanted to say ‘Hi!’ the the NSA guys following this thread, and let them know we appreciate their hard work and effort in keeping America beautiful and terrorist free…ish! ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/419 "2013-04-16T18:43:16Z")
> [@Soylent\_Juicy](#): > > Has the gentleman in the wheelchair with both legs missing been identified yet? [Yes](http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/boston-marathon-bomb-victim-pictured-1835957). Jeff Bauman, Jr, age 27, apparently. He is alive. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2013, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781/420 "2013-04-16T18:50:05Z")
I can’t imagine how any marathon can be made completely safe. Two bomb sweeps Monday and this tragedy still happened. 24 1/2 miles is a lot of ground to protect. The bombing happened at an event that already had good security. There were cops right there when it happened. I hope the London marathon is ok this weekend. > **[What we know about the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/us/boston-marathon-things-we-know/index.html)** > > Details about Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and wounded scores more. > [@](#): > > – Two explosive ordnance disposal sweeps were carried out Monday, the first early in the morning and the second an hour before the first runners crossed the finish line, Davis said. “They did not turn up any evidence,” he said. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explosions-at-boston-marathon/655781.md?page=22)