As FBI investigators work around the clock to identify the person or group behind the Boston Marathon bombings, the death toll rose to three. The dead included 8-year-old Martin Richard, the son of respected community leaders Bill and Denise Richard. Bill was running in the marathon, and Denise was cheering him on along with Martin, daughter Jane, 7, and an older son who has not been identified. Denise sustained a brain injury in the blast and Jane lost a leg. Neither Bill nor the unidentified son were wounded.
At least 176 people were injured in the blasts. Hospital officials say 17 people are in critical condition and 41 people are in serious condition. Injuries range from severed limbs to shrapnel embedded in skin. Dr. George Velmahos, head of Massachusetts General Hospital’s trauma care, said nail-like objects and pellets were found in victims. One man lost both legs in one of the explosions.
The two explosions occurred in quick succession near the finish line shortly before 3 p.m. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick denied reports that more explosives were found later. Law enforcement sources say the bombings have been labeled an act of terrorism, but investigators have not determined if international terrorists are responsible. No suspect has been named, but authorities searched an apartment in Revere in connection with a Saudi man in the U.S. with a student visa. A source says investigators have found no evidence he was involved in the attack.
"We will go to the ends of the Earth to identify the subject or subjects who are responsible for this despicable crime -- and we will do everything we can to bring them to justice," said FBI special agent Richard DesLauriers. “Our mission is clear: to bring to justice those responsible... The American public wants answers. The citizens of the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts want and deserve answers."
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