# "Suspects" but are they responsible for the bombs? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 20, 2013, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187 "2013-04-20T03:48:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/21 "2013-04-20T16:43:11Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > Yeah, you’re probably right. > > From the same article: > > 3 to 5 years is probably not long enough to figure out anything for the most well funded investigative agency in the world. Plus, there were budget cuts so perhaps they almost figured it out. I bet if they started following him when he was born they could’ve figured it out so yeah has no significance whatsoever. It’s totally irrelevant that they knew him, they knew his tendencies, they knew where he lives, where he goes what he does who he talks to what he eats and he was clean as a button. > > Yeah, agreed, it all means nothing. The system worked all the way up to the point of bomb detonation. Can you just tell us what your point is instead of playing 50 questions? ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/22 "2013-04-20T16:46:14Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > ETA: I really, really hope no one is fishing for a conspiracy theory here. Really [Their mother sure thinks it’s a conspiracy](http://rt.com/usa/tsarnaev-brothers-parents-innocent-124/). Doesn’t a mother know her own sons?! Yes, not very convincing. ---
**Author:** ![robert\_columbia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e79b87/32.png) [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/23 "2013-04-20T16:46:41Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > None. Another government, most likely Russia, asked for the interview. One was conducted. There was no proof of anything. What significance do you see? The way it works in the US is that you can’t lock someone up just because you think they might be dangerous or radical based on general statements they have made, books they have read, websites they have visited, and subversives they have spoken with. You need much more specific proof. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/24 "2013-04-20T17:03:53Z")
> [@robert\_columbia](#): > > The way it works in the US is that you can’t lock someone up just because you think they might be dangerous or radical based on general statements they have made, books they have read, websites they have visited, and subversives they have spoken with. You need much more specific proof. Yep. But AFTER the fact when they saw you planting the bombs, finding bombs in your apparment, carjacking, throwing bombs at the police, having a deadly shot out with police with heavy fire power, then fleeing the police, it kinda says two things. Yep, more likely guilty. And yep, that initial concern was probably right even though they found nothing factual enough to actually act on. One generally obvious aspect the Uncle pointed out today that I haven’t seen yet. While there appears to be little doubt they DID it, there is still the possibilty that some other more connected/mature/other nation rabble rousers helped them or egged them on. Given what appears to be factual information released so far, if these guy’s were framed it was one hell of a job. PS, kinda glad they found the kid relatively soon. I can’t imagine what a couple weeks of coverage of this saga would have been like. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/25 "2013-04-20T17:18:56Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > Thank you Friedo. I haven’t seen this. But would like something more concrete. More concrete than throwing bombs at the cops when they try to arrest you for being a mad bomber? ---
**Author:** ![Gestalt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/90ced4/32.png) [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/26 "2013-04-20T17:26:39Z")
For those pointing out the video surveillance at the marathon as evidence, in all fairness, they only have somewhat poor-quality footage of two individuals who _look like_ the suspects. That being said, I think all the other evidence pretty damningly indicts them, although I also would like a confession. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/27 "2013-04-20T18:12:05Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Can you just tell us what your point is instead of playing 50 questions? Point is this - how does someone who’s been on the radar of FBI, for 3 to 5 years, where agents actually visited their home and told them we know everything about you, how do they decide to still go at it? I don’t have an answer but so far story is far more complex than lone wolf scenario. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/28 "2013-04-20T18:15:30Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > One generally obvious aspect the Uncle pointed out today that I haven’t seen yet. While there appears to be little doubt they DID it, there is still the possibilty that some other more connected/mature/other nation rabble rousers helped them or egged them on. > > Given what appears to be factual information released so far, if these guy’s were framed it was one hell of a job. > > PS, kinda glad they found the kid relatively soon. I can’t imagine what a couple weeks of coverage of this saga would have been like. I’m thinking of similar scenario - I don’t see anything in an average Chechen to feel or develop an urge to harm US. I just don’t see it… ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/29 "2013-04-20T18:16:19Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > Point is this - how does someone who’s been on the radar of FBI, for 3 to 5 years, where agents actually visited their home and told them we know everything about you, how do they decide to still go at it? Aside from the mother’s insane rantings, do we have proof the FBI did anything more than talk to the older brother a single time? ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/30 "2013-04-20T18:16:35Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > Point is this - how does someone who’s been on the radar of FBI, for 3 to 5 years, where agents actually visited their home and told them we know everything about you, how do they decide to still go at it? > > I don’t have an answer but so far story is far more complex than lone wolf scenario. They are kids. Kids is stupid. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/31 "2013-04-20T18:19:31Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > I’m thinking of similar scenario - I don’t see anything in an average Chechen to feel or develop an urge to harm US. I just don’t see it… Sorry for the double post. But yeah, if this was a terrorist attack with a purpose it sure appears to me to a lame one political statment wise. And what a freaking waste all in all. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/32 "2013-04-20T18:20:11Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > They are kids. Kids is stupid. Is this the extent of your ability to analyze this whole situation? ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/33 "2013-04-20T18:22:39Z")
> [@Justin\_Bailey](#): > > Aside from the mother’s insane rantings, do we have proof the FBI did anything more than talk to the older brother a single time? You don’t think that mother’s or father’s claims warrant a review of some sorts? Additionally, don’t you think it’s in FBI’s interest to cover it up? ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/34 "2013-04-20T18:22:53Z")
Oh, I am sorry. I mispoke. They are kids. Kids CAN be stupid. It has been known to happen on rare occasion. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/35 "2013-04-20T18:23:50Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > I don’t have an answer but so far story is far more complex than lone wolf scenario. No it’s not. Everything is pointing to these two working alone. The older one may have attempted to form contacts with other terrorists but I doubt they would form strong ties to someone like him. He doesn’t seem to be the weak willed type of operative they prefer and he wouldn’t otherwise have any kind of cred. I hate to think that this may have all been the result of the older brother trying to prove himself so he would be accepted in terrorist club. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/36 "2013-04-20T18:28:24Z")
> [@billfish678](#): > > Sorry for the double post. But yeah, if this was a terrorist attack with a purpose it sure appears to me to a lame one political statment wise. > > And what a freaking waste all in all. Honestly, that’s the biggest mental obstacle for me when looking at it, now that it’s all over. The only other possibility would be some sort of psychological disorder related to issue of displacement - being kids of immigrants. However, one of them, at least, was in a nice place overall not so much different than his peers. I still leeave it open that it’s more personal issue only accentuated by the fact that they are from far away. External influence is almost guaranteed in cases like this. ---
**Author:** ![newcomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e5b9ba/32.png) [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/37 "2013-04-20T18:31:44Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The older one may have attempted to form contacts with other terrorists but I doubt they would form strong ties to someone like him. He doesn’t seem to be the weak willed type of operative they prefer and he wouldn’t otherwise have any kind of cred. I hate to think that this may have all been the result of the older brother trying to prove himself so he would be accepted in terrorist club. What makes your speculation closer to the truth? The whole quote is just your opinion yet you somehow use it to disprove my point :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Justin\_Bailey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/justin_bailey/32/8792_2.png) [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/38 "2013-04-20T18:42:09Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > You don’t think that mother’s or father’s claims warrant a review of some sorts? Additionally, don’t you think it’s in FBI’s interest to cover it up? The parents live in Russia. Why would they know anything about constant surveillance from the FBI? Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of constantly surveilling someone? And I think talking about coverups is just insane at this point. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/39 "2013-04-20T18:45:31Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > What makes your speculation closer to the truth? The whole quote is just your opinion yet you somehow use it to disprove my point :dubious: You didn’t include my whole quote. That part you quoted was opinion, the first part that you left out was fact. So far there is no evidence of the involvement of anyone else, which disproves your point. A point you based on the baseless statement “External influence is almost guaranteed in cases like this.” Name a case like this where external influence was involved. Obviously people are always externally influenced, but name a case of a successful, voluntary, non-suicide bombing which would not have occurred except for the external influence. There probably are some, but it’s by no means a signature of this kind of attack. ---
**Author:** ![wheresmymind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/91b2a8/32.png) [@wheresmymind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wheresmymind)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187/40 "2013-04-20T20:14:58Z")
> [@newcomer](#): > > You don’t think that mother’s or father’s claims warrant a review of some sorts? Additionally, don’t you think it’s in FBI’s interest to cover it up? “Hold on guys, turns out their mom says her sons are angels who never would have done anything like this. In light of this compelling evidence, we’ll definitely have to review our whole investigation. In all my years of law enforcement I’ve _never_ encountered a woman who didn’t know her own son, especially when said mother lived on the other side of the world.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suspects-but-are-they-responsible-for-the-bombs/656187.md?page=3)