Thoughts on the Patriots Day Bombing

Every year on the third Monday in Massachusetts, Patriots Day is celebrated, which signifies the Revolutionary War Battles of Lexington and Concord; the battles that opened the American Revolution. What has become tradition in recent years in the running of the Boston Marathon on Patriots’ Day. Yesterday’s running, unfortunately, will forever be known for the fact that two bombs went off along Boylston Street in Boston; close to the finish line of the marathon and at about the time when most of the runners were completing the race.

What we know so far is the bombs went off about 15 seconds apart and are believed to be planted in two garbage cans before the race. Additional devices were found and police performed a controlled detonation on them. A 20 year old Saudi national in the United States, on a student visa, who was injured in the explosion, is under surveillance by the police. There was also a third explosion at the John F. Kennedy Library, which is believed to be unrelated. Three people have perished and over one hundred more were injured. Today, we have also learned that the bombs were made with pressure cookers; a type of bomb that is heavily used in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In this post 9-11 world, we have to assume the worst (a terrorist attack), yet hope for the best and if the worst becomes a reality, the individuals and sponsors must be severely dealt with and future incidents must be deterred. It’s going to take time to find out the perpetrators, but thankfully, there is plenty of evidence which can trace the devices to the perpetrators. Furthermore, once we know more, steps can be taken to prevent future attacks. And also, the United States Government, once more answers are known, must act forcibly and clearly so our enemies know these terrorist acts will not be tolerated.

The first responders performed heroically and admirably, and for their bravery, they must be commended. These folks ran TOWARD the mayhem, were able to tend to the injured, while safely getting the crowd out of the Copley Square/Back Bay area where the bombing took place.

Boston is a city I know very well. I have traveled there many times, stayed in the vicinity of where the explosions occurred, as well as have many family and friends who are from the area and still live there. Bostonians are strong, they have a steely resolve and empathy to rival New Yorkers, and I am confident they’ll get through and be on guard.