President Obama Calls Boston Bombing an 'Act of Terrorism'
UPDATE 2:30 p.m. | The bombs that exploded during the Boston Marathon were created out of ordinary kitchen pressure cookers packed with nails and other lethal shrapnel, and were hidden in duffel bags left on the ground, according to investigators.
Organizers of the Boston Marathon vowed Tuesday to continue the race next year. They called the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon "a deeply held tradition and an integral part of the fabric and history of our community."
The third victim killed in the Boston Marathon bombings Monday has been identified as a Boston University graduate student.
Boston University officials say the student was in a group of three friends watching the race near the finish line. Another member of the group was injured, and is in stable condition at Boston Medical Center.
The university has not released the name of the student, and is awaiting permission from family members.
Gov. Deval Patrick announced during a press conference that President Barack Obama will travel to Boston Thursday to attend an interfaith ceremony at Boston's Cathedral of the Holy Cross in honor of the victims.
UPDATE 11:00 a.m. | Boston firefighters announced a $50,000 reward Tuesday for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Officials set up the fund for survivors and held a moment of silence for the victims.
Officials have identified 29-year-old restaurant manager Krystle Campbell, of Medford, as one of the three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombing.
William Campbell, her father, said she worked at a restaurant in Arlignton. He said she was "very caring, very loving person, and was daddy's little girl."
Krystle had gone to watch the marathon with her best friend to see the friend's boyfriend cross the finish line. Her father says the friend was seriously injured.
The President of the United States ordered "that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, April 20, 2013."
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a declaration for all flags over California state buildings to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of Monday's tragedy.
ORIGINAL STORY 9:00 a.m. | President Barack Obama addressed the public Tuesday morning saying the FBI is now investigating the Boston Marathon double bombing as a an "act of terrorism."
President Obama announced from the White House saying investigators still do not know if an international or domestic organization or "malevolent individual" carried out the attack. So far, three people were killed, including an eight-year-old boy, and more than 170 people were wounded.
"Clearly we are at the beginning of our investigation," said Obama. He urged those with information relating to the bombings to contact authorities.
"If you see something suspicious, speak up."
As investigators continue to evaluate the attack, Obama said they "don't have a sense of motivation yet."
"If you know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil, that's it. Selflessly, passionately, not afraid," said the president.
"The American people refuse to be terrorized."
President Obama said law enforcement and intelligence officials are still trying to determine who is responsible. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the bombings.
According to individuals close to the investigation, the two bombs were made of pressure cookers. They were packed with ball bearings and metal shards that cut into victims.
The bombs were placed on the ground near the annual marathon finish line inside black duffel bags.
"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 Richard Deslauriers, an FBI Agent in charge in Boston.
Boston investigators are now looking through surveillance tapes and pictures from Monday.
