Boston Marathon bombings: City in total lockdown after worst terror attack in US since 9/11
President Barack Obama, who was in the White House at the time, ordered “whatever assistance is necessary” to be given across the States
Shock: Police officers with their guns drawn hear the second explosion
Police jammed mobile phone lines across Boston city centre today to prevent any further bombs being detonated remotely – after the US was rocked by its worst terror attack since 9/11.The area went into lockdown and President Barack Obama, who was in the White House at the time, ordered “whatever assistance is necessary” to be given across the States.A 3.5-mile no-fly zone was put in place over the blast area, the subway service in the city was suspended and security in New York City was immediately stepped up as officials feared more explosions could hit the Big Apple.Extra police units were also despatched to Ground Zero.Landmarks across Manhattan – including prominent hotels – were being watched closely and Paul Browne, deputy commissioner of the NYPD revealed police were re-deploying counter-terrorism vehicles in the area. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: “As law enforcement authorities investigate today’s explosions in Boston, I ask all New Yorkers to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”He went on: “I have spoken with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and the NYPD has stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure including our subways.”Police in the capital Washington DC also ordered extra security around landmarks the White House, Congress and the Pentagon.President Obama later addressed the nation.He said: "We still do not know who did this. We will find out who did this. We'll find out why they did this and we'll hold them accountable.""Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats."We are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens."
President Barack Obama, who was in the White House at the time, ordered “whatever assistance is necessary” to be given across the States
Shock: Police officers with their guns drawn hear the second explosion
Police jammed mobile phone lines across Boston city centre today to prevent any further bombs being detonated remotely – after the US was rocked by its worst terror attack since 9/11.The area went into lockdown and President Barack Obama, who was in the White House at the time, ordered “whatever assistance is necessary” to be given across the States.A 3.5-mile no-fly zone was put in place over the blast area, the subway service in the city was suspended and security in New York City was immediately stepped up as officials feared more explosions could hit the Big Apple.Extra police units were also despatched to Ground Zero.Landmarks across Manhattan – including prominent hotels – were being watched closely and Paul Browne, deputy commissioner of the NYPD revealed police were re-deploying counter-terrorism vehicles in the area. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said: “As law enforcement authorities investigate today’s explosions in Boston, I ask all New Yorkers to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”He went on: “I have spoken with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and the NYPD has stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure including our subways.”Police in the capital Washington DC also ordered extra security around landmarks the White House, Congress and the Pentagon.President Obama later addressed the nation.He said: "We still do not know who did this. We will find out who did this. We'll find out why they did this and we'll hold them accountable.""Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats."We are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens."