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kentuck

(110,950 posts)
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:17 AM Apr 2013

A couple of observations.

Most of the casualties were of the lower extremities variety. The bomb was at ground level. If it had been higher or a different type, the death toll probably would have been much higher. Which may suggest it was done by an amateur?

Also, I cannot understand why the bombs were not planted when there were many more people at the finish line? Why did he wait for so long after the first runners had finished the race? Perhaps the security was more lax as the race was coming to its end?

It seems to me that the person who did this was probably familiar with that area of Boston and had planned this for some time. Perhaps he lived close to the scene?

Also, I assume the bomb was planted outside, in a garbage can perhaps? I had not heard specifically if it was in the building or on the street?

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A couple of observations. (Original Post) kentuck Apr 2013 OP
MSNBC reported yesterday that this bomb had the signature of the last 3 white supremeist bombs or uponit7771 Apr 2013 #1
Also they were relatively small Floyd_Gondolli Apr 2013 #2
Yes, they were not large bombs... kentuck Apr 2013 #8
I heard they were placed in trash cans... cynatnite Apr 2013 #3
I heard (on MSNBC) that the authorities had done two sweeps of the area... Buns_of_Fire Apr 2013 #4
They do, but that was probably why the bombs were planted later Yo_Mama Apr 2013 #6
Good point. kentuck Apr 2013 #10
Ground level bombs do a lot of damage. Robb Apr 2013 #5
When I was listening to the live coverage... ljm2002 Apr 2013 #7
exactly right. cali Apr 2013 #9
This. Brickbat Apr 2013 #11
Good info. kentuck Apr 2013 #12

uponit7771

(90,225 posts)
1. MSNBC reported yesterday that this bomb had the signature of the last 3 white supremeist bombs or
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:20 AM
Apr 2013

....attempts

FAUX news is going on about a Saudi national man which turned out to be a women running from the blast who was tackled by a guy who though she (he) looked suspicious

Makes me further think it was a winger...

Would not be shock nor suprised if it wasn't

 

Floyd_Gondolli

(1,277 posts)
2. Also they were relatively small
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:21 AM
Apr 2013

According to law enforcement. It's also believed that no high grade explosives were used.

kentuck

(110,950 posts)
8. Yes, they were not large bombs...
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:48 AM
Apr 2013

But they did the damage they did because so many people were on the streets. Cowardly.

cynatnite

(31,011 posts)
3. I heard they were placed in trash cans...
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:24 AM
Apr 2013

I thought the authorities were supposed to check trash cans at high profile events.

Yo_Mama

(8,303 posts)
6. They do, but that was probably why the bombs were planted later
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:38 AM
Apr 2013

Once the crowds form, the bomber had a chance to plant the bombs.

Earlier the bomber probably would have been detected.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
5. Ground level bombs do a lot of damage.
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:37 AM
Apr 2013

The Provos used small bombs like this to great effect -- and similar death-to-injury ratios -- in the early 70s. On the ground, you get the advantage of shaping the explosion -- all of it upward. On the ground and leaning against a building, even better. It probably wasn't in a garbage can, I'd bet in a backpack or purse, leaning against a building -- sending all the energy of the explosion out into the street.

Timers are difficult propositions for the home bomber. Success would likely be measured by going off on either side of an hour.

I don't think a bomb like this needs a lot of planning or familiarity with the area. That's what makes it so effective.

ljm2002

(10,751 posts)
7. When I was listening to the live coverage...
Tue Apr 16, 2013, 11:40 AM
Apr 2013

...from a local Boston station, one of the commentators said that the timing made sense if they were trying for the maximum number of casualties. Unlike other sporting events, the biggest crowd is not there for the winners -- there are only a few at the front, and they come in long before the majority of racers reach the finish line. Instead, the biggest crowd is there when the bulk of the runners come in -- the crowd swells with friends and family welcoming their own as they finish the grueling race.

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