Live Report: Texas & Boston blasts
April 16
23:57
President Obama said the FBI is investigating the Boston Marathon bombings as an "act of terrorism," but authorities don't know who did it or why. "This was a heinous and cowardly act," Obama said at the White House.
Obama, who had held off using the term "terrorism" in brief remarks on Monday night, spoke after being briefed by FBI Director Robert Mueller and other law enforcement law enforcement officials.
"Any time bombs are used to target civilians, it is an act of terrorism," Obama said from the White House briefing room.
23:42
US President Barack Obama said: "The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight. And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss."
We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake -- we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.
23:34A plane that originated in Philadelphia Tuesday morning and landed in Boston was searched after a popping sound was heard from a carry-on bag, CBS reports.
The US Airways flight 1716 left Philadelphia International Airport and landed at Logan International Airport at 10:16 am local time.
Upon landing at Logan Airport, all the passengers aboard the plane were safely removed and taken to a shelter area nearby.
Meanwhile, the central terminal building at LaGuardia Airport in New York City has been evacuated due to a suspicious package.
23:15
US President Barack Obama will make a statement on the Boston bombings at 11:30 am (Beijing time). Stay tuned to China Daily's live report for all the latest on the bombing as-it-happens.
22:58
US President Barack Obama orders flags at the White House and public buildings and grounds flown at half mast.
22:56
WHDH-TV reporter Jonathan Hall tweets: Disagreement among hospital officials about the shrapnel; mass general says pellets and nail like objects were probably intrinsic to bombs. This is consistent with what you'd see in war zone, IEDs- packed with nails/pellets, as doctors said yesterday.
22:42
Six to eight patients at Mass. General Hospital remain medically sedated and in intensive care."Many [victims] have severe wounds, mostly in lower part of their body," says a doctor from Massachusetts General Hospital who is an explosive expert and is convinced the pot holes in victims' bodies is from metallic fragments from the bombs.
22:23
Closing the news conference in Boston, FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Deslauriers says he was not aware of any threat prior to the marathon and he is not aware of any imminent threat to do with this investigation now.
22:09
Police Commissioner Edward Davis said the blasts killed three people and 17 were in critical situation.
22:05
FBI Special Agent in Charge RIck Deslauriers refuses to comment on the device, components or "who or what might be in our custody right now".
22:00
Police Commissioner Edward Davis has appealed to the public for all videos and photographs from the marathon to be given to police help to try to catch the bomber. He said: "Even if not at exact scene it may have clues."
21:56
ATF agent Gene Marquez says 30 forensic specialists are on the scene and it will take several days to process. He dispelled rumors of other devices in the area.
21:55
FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Deslauriers has called on the public for tips to help solve the incident and the investigation remains very active. Speaking at a news conference he says extra personnel have been drafted in from surrounding areas and the city’s questions will be answered.
21:48
Mayor Thomas Menino has been mayor for 20-years and says he has never seen the community pull together in this way. "This is Boston and we are a strong city. Boston will overcome"
21:45
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is speaking at a news conference and confirms only two explosive devices, others were suspect but later proved safet. The number of victims exceeds 150.
21:41
Image of Martin Richard, 8, who was killed in the marathon explosion.
