Boston Marathon bombing
The Boston Marathon bombing was a terrorist attack that occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2013.
The Boston Marathon bombing was a terrorist attack that occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2013. Two pressure-cooker bombs detonated seconds apart, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. The attack led to a major manhunt, the death of one suspect, and the conviction of the surviving suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Attack
Two homemade explosives detonated near the marathon finish line on Boylston Street during the afternoon of April 15, 2013. The blasts caused deaths, severe injuries, and immediate disruption to the race and surrounding area.
Investigation and manhunt
Authorities identified the Tsarnaev brothers as suspects after reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. After a confrontation with police and a citywide search, Tamerlan Tsarnaev died and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was arrested.
Legal proceedings
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged with multiple federal crimes, including use of a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death. A jury convicted him on all counts, and he was sentenced to death in 2015.
Casualties and response
The bombing killed three people and injured hundreds, including several who suffered amputations. Emergency responders, hospitals, and law-enforcement agencies carried out a large-scale mass-casualty response.
Key facts
- The bombing occurred during the 117th Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.
- Two bombs exploded near the finish line, killing three people and injuring hundreds.
- The attack was carried out by the Tsarnaev brothers, who acted without known organizational affiliation.
- A large manhunt followed; Tamerlan Tsarnaev died after a shootout, and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was captured alive.
- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was later convicted on 30 federal counts and sentenced to death.
The bombing was widely covered in Canada and drew attention because of its impact on a major North American sporting event, its cross-border media coverage, and its significance in discussions of terrorism and public safety.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/event/Boston-Marathon-bombing-of-2013Supports: Date, location, fatalities, and general description of the attack
- Federal Bureau of Investigation — https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/boston-marathon-bombingSupports: Perpetrators, investigation, casualty figures, and conviction details
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/us/boston-marathon-terror-attack-fast-factsSupports: Timing of explosions, casualty figures, terrorism designation, and sentencing
- HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/boston-marathon-bombing-timelineSupports: Attack timeline, suspects, manhunt, and legal outcome