Explosions, detonated at the time when the largest group of runners is traditionally completing the marathon, have killed at least 3 and injured many more.
There are reports other locations around Boston may be targeted, and a fire/explosion at the JFK Presidential Library was reported earlier, though may be entirely unrelated.
Today also marks the birth of Kim Il Sung, and apparently the exploded portion of the spectator stands was dedicated to the victims of Newtown, if we need a place to start blindly guessing at causes.
According to the Twitter feed of a Boston reporter, an officer has said there are secondary devices that remain unexploded and cell phones have been banned from use on the street where the explosions occurred:
I don't want to jump to conclusions, but the threads are actually coming together for some sort of "right-wing" inspired lunacy:
- The targets were civilians with no geo-political "symbolism"
- The only possible symbolism is local or national
- Patriot's day
- Tax day
not a slam dunk, but I remember feeling essentially the same when people were claiming the Norway attack was some type of Islamist attack. Sure, blowing up a car outside of a government building, that looks like international terror or Jihad.
Jihad tends to have a bit more spectacle that would be relevant the world over. As tragic as this is, I can't imagine a large number of people outside of North America feeling "America" had been dealt a major blow by this attack.
If I was to hazard a guess I'd say a mix. Homegrown Islamic extremists. Likely either a lone man or pair.
I notice it didn't take long before the conspiracy nuts came out the closet though. Already harping on about a Facebook page that was created on Saturday called 'thoughts go out to all involved in Boston explosions' clearly not understanding that the page was renamed from something else.
Eh? Most Islamic extremist attacks in recent years haven't been big political statements. Just easy targets with lots of people. Madrid, London, Turkey, Mumbai, Moscow theatre, Beslan, Glasgow airport, Bali and countless others in Pakistan, india, Indonesia, Egypt, Morocco.
__________________ Recently Produced and Distributed Young but High-Ranking Political Figure of Royal Ancestry within the Modern American Town Affectionately Referred To as Bel-Air.
Sure, but with the exception of the UK, those are local groups pursuing local issues almost exclusively.
EDIT: If America had a serious Al Qaeda in America branch, or some equivalent, sure, I'd agree. It could be small time hown-grown Jihadis, sure, all I'm saying is that, as terrorism is meant to make a statement in support or against a political goal, the targets of the attack can tell you what the motives of the individuals are. I'd agree, any type of small-time home-grown terrorist fits this MO.
__________________ yes, a million times yes
Last edited by tsilamini on Apr 15th, 2013 at 10:42 PM
the randomness and lack of any obvious message or motive leads me to believe that it will turn out to be yet another insane white man, and we'll have to see his smiling bug-eyed mugshot on every front page for the next 3 weeks as the media worships and validates him thoroughly, while little to no mention of the actual victims' names. they will then go on to blame video games.
__________________ "Your Lord knows very well what is in your heart. Your soul suffices this day as a reckoner against you. I need no witnesses. You do not listen to your soul, but listen instead to your anger and your rage."
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Apr 15th, 2013 07:57 PM
