Hi, everyone. I’ve been away from my computer all morning with Jackson and am just now catching up on the day’s news, as well as the forums, etc. (today’s posts were pre-schedules, so my apologies if they seemed insensitive given the events in Boston at the moment). Some of our Boston readers, who are on lockdown, requested an open thread on the main page to connect with each other a little more easily and keep everyone abreast on what’s going on from their standpoint. Please feel free to send well-wishes here. We’re thinking of you, Bostonians. Stay safe!!
Boston Lockdown Open Thread
Next Post: Weekend Open Thread
Previous Post: Shortcuts: “He Calls Escorts While I’m Deployed”
![\"\"](\"https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=r/y/j1a0Sn00OI\")
Taylor April 19, 2013, 1:07 pm
Sending some (non creepy) interwebs love and well wishes your way, Boston DWers.
muffy April 19, 2013, 1:14 pm
Have you guys heard the uncle’s interview yet? It’s so sad. He had no idea until this morning that it was them. He condemns them and says they absolutely deserve whatever happens to them.
Here’s one link to a TV interview he did: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/19/being-losers-outraged-uncle-in-fiery-interview-gives-reason-that-might-have-prompted-boston-attack/
But he also did a heartbreaking one this morning over the phone: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/04/19/bombing-suspects-uncle-says-hes-shocked/
And apparently another of the bombers’ uncles has spoken out now too: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/04/19/2nd-uncle-of-bombing-suspects-yesterday-he-called-me/
muffy April 19, 2013, 1:18 pm
Just wanted to add that the parents had apparently moved the family to the states 10+ years ago as refugees from Chechnya. Then the parents eventually moved back to Russia but the boys stayed (i’m guessing maybe the older brother since he was 26 took care of the younger 19 year old). And the father did an interview in Russia where he called them “angels”!. The uncles seem to be the only ones who can see these boys objectively for what they are. Could you imagine if your brother/sister/son/daughter did this? Horrible.
6napkinburger April 19, 2013, 1:24 pm
I think the dad needs a little slack. He’s depending on foreign news outlets telling him his sons are terrorists … he’s not just going to be like, of course, you’re right. I’d be in disbelief too. Also, from what I’ve heard of the Russian oligarchy, it is not that far fetched that this type of thing might be a frameup if it happened in Russia (though i know nothing of Chechnya) — so that isn’t as conspiracy-theorist/denial as it sounds to us. Also, we only know the tip of the iceberg; I have a feeling there is an entire 24-like complications going on under the surface.
muffy April 19, 2013, 1:34 pm
Oh I am trying to give slack to the dad – that’s what I was trying to convey when I said can you believe if your son/daughter/brother/sister did this – I realize my post was confusing. The uncles have some distance from that side of the family so they can objectively condemn these two. They hadn’t seen them in years.
This whole thing worries me – I wonder if those two were part of a larger network of people? I guess that’s why they need to find that 19 year old – hopefully they get him alive so they can question him. The older brother got away easy by dying – he doesn’t have to answer for what he did.
SweetPeaG April 19, 2013, 1:38 pm
Oh, I want this kid to be caught alive so freaking bad. There is never a good reason why, that goes without saying. But, I still want to know why. I want to know if there are others. He’s a 19 year old coward… he’ll cave to questioning.
6napkinburger April 19, 2013, 1:21 pm
Thank you wendy
Kate April 19, 2013, 1:29 pm
This is shitty! My office is in a town bordering Watertown, so it is closed. I am so antsy. Really, enough, find him!
Kate April 19, 2013, 1:31 pm
And one of our guys in Nashville keeps calling me with fucking math questions. Fuck off!!!!
Kate April 19, 2013, 6:05 pm
Aaaaggggghhh, I can’t stop watching the news even though there’s been nothing new for hours. Fiancé told me to watch a movie. I don’t want to watch a movie. I want to watch Dzhokhar Tzarnaev get apprehended!
csp April 19, 2013, 2:32 pm
I am in Philadelphia and we have had the news on all day. We really feel for all of you.
iwannatalktosampson April 19, 2013, 1:29 pm
This whole thing just makes me sick to my stomach. I had a friend that reached the 26th mile – so was about .2 from the finish line. I haven’t been able to talk to him on the phone but we’ve texted about it a little and it seriously makes me want to puke. And then that plant blows up in Texas? What is going on in the world? And then personally I have some weird shit going on in my life. I just feel so detached from reality right now. Like I am surviving on auto pilot and have no idea how to get through the days besides just plugging along and not feeling feelings. It is hard to get any work done. I feel like a zombie. What next? You know that inner anxiety you feel sometimes where you’re just waiting for the other shoe to drop? That’s how I’ve felt for about the last 3 weeks. So many bad things are happening – and continue to happen.
I want to do something for the people of Boston but I don’t know what. I’m still running in my half in May in Colorado so I’m hoping the organizers of that race will have some kind of t-shirt or something you can buy to support Boston.
mandalee April 19, 2013, 1:35 pm
iwanna- the onefundboston.org is a great place to start to donate. Also, Adidas is selling T-shirts to support the One Fund.
Also, Adidas is selling this t-shirt that supports the marathon victims.
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 1:44 pm
Yes I just bought one yesterday. They only had grey ones left.
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 1:52 pm
Looks like they only have mens small left now. Glad I got a womens shirt yesterday.
mandalee April 19, 2013, 1:30 pm
Thanks Wendy. We are still on lock down in Waltham. We live near the fire station and all the trucks just left to respond to something towards the Watertown/Cambridge area.
Our friend who saw the shootout take place on her street is here and safe, but were still trying to get her cat out of herself because she had to leave her behind. She’s been freaking out all day and I feel terrible and very inadequate in helping with this. We had to turn off the news because they kept showing her street and her car and she lost it. I just wish they would find this kid and end it, because it’s like a slow torture.
kare April 19, 2013, 2:23 pm
Very crazy week. Earlier this week they solved the murder of the assistant DA, DA, and his wife in my hometown. I’m hoping they will find the guy in Boston soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Boston as well as West.
HmC April 19, 2013, 3:08 pm
I’m assuming you’re referring to this case:
I was following that story… so glad they caught him.
kare April 19, 2013, 3:49 pm
Yep. Very shocking turn of events for the county.
SweetPeaG April 19, 2013, 1:23 pm
First of all… read this on the subject:
It is pretty much PERFECT.
Thanks, Wendy! I am not IN Boston, but not far from it. I have never known a stranger week than this! I am so on edge and having a difficult time concentrating on work.So, the bomber (“suspect”) that is on the loose, apparently, was a student at UMASS Dartmouth. That’s the school I attended and borders the city I work in. They had it evacuated and have the authorities there, scouring his dorm room. He was reportedly seen there this week. It gives me the heebie jeebies.
The thing about all of this is, I am a peace loving, flower-child type. But, these events have made me down-right pissed off. Even though I don’t live in Boston, being in Massachusetts… I still consider it my town. The whole thing is complete horror. I am having a hard time being in touch with this part of myself.
6napkinburger April 19, 2013, 1:27 pm
My office is closed and we’re being asked to “shelter in place” — which is a phrase I’ve never heard before, but all the news outlets are using it like a normal term. So I’m supposed to work from home, which has proven pretty impossible. At least i have a clean kitchen now, but no brief. i can’t believe they are expecting us to be focused.
Christy April 19, 2013, 1:33 pm
Fwiw, my office (aka the federal government) uses “Shelter in Place” as its standard term. So it’s not *completely* out of nowhere.
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 1:43 pm
They’re telling people if they went to work this morning, they should leave and go home. No reason to hunker down at work, particularly if they work in large buildings in Boston.
csp April 19, 2013, 2:31 pm
I really feel for you. I don’t know how you can focus in your situation. I wonder how long before people get hungry and have to go out. All those college kids, I can’t imagine they stock pile food. Our prayers are with you
theattack April 19, 2013, 2:36 pm
I was thinking about that too, but it doesn’t sound like stores or restaurants are going to be open anyway.
csp April 19, 2013, 3:26 pm
yea, tell me about it. I mean, I bet they are going to wait until dark and see if he runs.
Taylor April 19, 2013, 4:18 pm
Love the Onion article.
LK7889 April 19, 2013, 2:37 pm
I’m thinking of all you Bostonian folks and hoping that they catch the bastard soon. It’s so scary, I can’t even imagine what you guys are going through!
theattack April 19, 2013, 2:37 pm
How is this still happening? I bet the guy went underground or something for this to be taking so long. They are so many people out looking for one stupid teenager. I just don’t get it.
bethany April 19, 2013, 2:47 pm
Yeah, I don’t get it either! How have they not found him yet?
csp April 19, 2013, 3:28 pm
I think there are three posibilities:
1.) he is dead. Took a bullet and died and the body hasn’t been found.
2.) he has someone hiding him.
3.) he escaped before they locked down the city and is on his way to Florida as we speak.
kerrycontrary April 19, 2013, 4:07 pm
This is random, but whenever I imagine people fleeing crimes I imagine them going to Florida. Why is that!?
theattack April 19, 2013, 4:11 pm
That just happened around my home town. Four white supremacists murdered someone and one of them was caught in Florida.
kerrycontrary April 19, 2013, 4:26 pm
That’s horrible that they murdered someone. I’m amazed (and fascinated) but the idiocy/strangeness of white supremacists.
honeybeenicki April 19, 2013, 2:39 pm
I hope everyone is staying safe. I’m fortunate to be many states away, but I think this affects us as a whole. I would echo what others have said – I hope they find the other person alive, because we all want to know why this happened. There was a woman there that lives in my neighborhood and I’m friendly with her. She crossed the finish line about 15 minutes before the explosion and is home safe and healthy. She’s pretty shaken up, but who wouldn’t.
I’m sending good thoughts towards any and all DW folks in the area. Stay safe and stay out of trouble.
Classic April 19, 2013, 2:51 pm
I’m sorry you are going through this, Boston people– stay safe and stay strong. We are thinking of you.
bittergaymark April 19, 2013, 3:04 pm
I’m just amazed that they are still in Boston… The first thing I’d have done after planting those backpacks is fly off into the sunset that very afternoon… Strange. I guess, they simply aren’t very bright. Just an odd — odd tale. This whole week has left me feeling that humanity is doomed. Sad to say, but I never thought the world would be THIS fucked up in my lifetime… No way. No day.
Ugh… Everything. Just. Fucking. Sucks. And don’t even get me fuck started on the stupidity of that mess in Texas… “Hi, lets deregulated EVERYTHING so we can build highly dangerous facilities in residential areas!” “Hey, let’s FRACK, too.” “Sure! Why not!” “Ohhh, it’ll save us all five cents a gallon! Let’s wreck the planet building pipelines everywhere!” Whatever… Hate to say it, but TexASS really had that one coming — and so much more, too. Just wait. In a decade the entire moronic state will be dead or drying from cancer. Just wait. Oh, well… At least the Corporations will be fat and happy…
Uh, I’d weep for the future, but it simply doesn’t deserve my tears…
lets_be_honest April 19, 2013, 3:07 pm
I was thinking that too…why stay? I’ve heard one of them even went to their school on Tuesday! I guess it seems less suspicious if you act normally?
What’s interesting is I’ve yet to hear a report by someone who knew them saying, oh we saw this coming. There doesn’t seem to be any signs like that, like there sort of was with the CT shooter. This whole thing is obviously horrible, but so strange too. Days of searching for a couple teens?
theattack April 19, 2013, 3:14 pm
I guess it would seem less suspicious to act normally, but surely he realized he would be caught on camera, right? At that point location is more important than suspicion. It’s completely moronic. Then again, what can you expect from someone who thinks it’s a great idea to bomb a marathon, highjack a car, and murder police offers?
lets_be_honest April 19, 2013, 3:25 pm
All very true. I’ve had the live feed on my computer today. Some photos were posted of regular civilians with guns pointing at them coming out of their homes. Some holding babies. I cannot imagine the terror.
bittergaymark April 19, 2013, 3:28 pm
Honestly, we will never be rid of this kind of violence. Never. Clearly, it is here to stay. I just wish the psychopaths would, I dunno… chose more interesting targets. It’s always random innocents. I’d be far more selective… I’d take out the cast of Real Housewives of perhaps a certain family who’s main reason for being famous rhymes with DIM. Talk about making yourself notorious…
theattack April 19, 2013, 3:34 pm
I think the problem with it is that specific targets don’t get as much attention. It makes a lot more sense like you said, but these people don’t care about that. They want their faces plastered all over the news, and unfortunately they always get exactly what they wanted out of the senseless violence. And yeah, it’s definitely here to stay. When people who are either 1) crazy religious lunatics with a point to make or 2) emotionally disturbed with no purpose in life, get angry at the world and need attention, this is what happens.
Kate B. April 19, 2013, 4:25 pm
From what I’ve read on the subject, there are two things that bring criminals down: ego and stupidity. It’s hard to say which this is. Personally, I think that if you are trying to avoid police detection, the thing to do is not rob a convenience store, shoot a cop or jack a car. But that’s me. Sometimes, they draw attention to themselves because they want the fame, the notoriety. “Look at what a badass I am!” He will eventually be caught, but who knows how many other innocent people will suffer before then? Maybe he’ll do us all a favor and blow himself up. Hopefully in a vacant lot far from people.
lindsaybob April 20, 2013, 3:41 am
I don’t know, I guess I’m getting a lot of my knowledge on stuff like this from crime dramas like Criminal Minds but don’t quite a lot of killers, bombers etc. get caught because they feel compelled to stick around and watch the aftermath and so they get spotted in the crowd? Maybe the whole point of it for them was to cause mayhem and terror and it didn’t feel like they’d done that if they didn’t get to watch everybody react…
LK7889 April 19, 2013, 3:14 pm
I wonder if maybe it’s because they wanted to get caught? Or get killed while “trying to get away”? Seems that if they were both wearing explosive vests like the media says then they didn’t plan on staying alive for much longer.
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 3:28 pm
The one still at large ran over his brother trying to get away. The 26 year old (the one who is dead) was more of the loner had no friends. But the guy they are looking for seemed like he was just a normal college student. Also, he just became a citizen this past September 11. This is so crazy, I’m about a mile from where the brother was killed last night. All I hear is sirens and helicopters. HE could be hiding anywhere.
Fabelle April 19, 2013, 4:05 pm
That’s my impression too, from what I’ve been reading. The older one was more of a loner, & somewhere I heard he’d expressed anti-American sentiments? But the only things people are saying about the younger (the one who’s on the run) is that they’d never in a million years think he’d do something like this. So weird. And very scary they haven’t caught him yet.
Copa April 19, 2013, 4:31 pm
I’ve only done a so-so job of keeping up with this story throughout the workday, but one of my co-workers said that she read somewhere that the one who is still at large is said to be wounded? If his injuries are serious there is a possibility that he is dead somewhere and the body has yet to be found.
theattack April 19, 2013, 4:33 pm
I haven’t heard that one. I’ve been doing a lot of google searches and haven’t come across anything. Does anyone know details about this?
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 4:39 pm
Yes I just heard that. Last night the police shot at the car he was driving, so it’s very likely he was hit. Also something about finding a blood trail, so he could be dead.
Jess April 19, 2013, 4:14 pm
on your 2nd paragraph, I agree with you word for word. It is SO sickening. I honestly cannot devote more than about 2 minutes at a time to think about corporate greed, environmental destruction, credit default swaps, etc. because I feel like I might explode with anger.
If you haven’t already, 2 documentaries that do a great job are INSIDE JOB and FISH HEAD (the latter can be watched online and is a bit more conspiracy theory oriented but still makes a great point especially if you are familiar with psychology/sociopathy)
Le Pinch April 19, 2013, 3:17 pm
This whole week has been one horrible event after another. I hope you Boston peeps are gonna be ok. Sending lots of love from California.
Sassy but Classy April 19, 2013, 3:47 pm
Thoughts on this? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/19/nate-bell-tweet-boston-_n_3116480.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false
I don’t know how I feel about the whole gun control issue, but MA already has strict gun control laws. I don’t own a gun, but I support law abiding citizens having them. Pretty insensitive comment though, due to these events.
bittergaymark April 19, 2013, 3:53 pm
What a fucking idiot. In light of what happened this week in the fucking Senate — I will laugh out loud the next time somebody from that useless bought and paid for house of bullshit is shot dead. I can’t believe how much of a puppet show they ALL are for the NRA…
Jess April 19, 2013, 4:15 pm
it’s so FUCKING depressing (are we allowed to use profanity here? sorry Wendy)
Taylor April 19, 2013, 4:28 pm
The events are profane themselves, it seems only appropriate to use the word fuck. FUCK! It always makes me feel a little better. Did you read the Onion article above? Sometimes I think it’s a sign of the endtimes that our satire makes more sense to me than actual news.
Jess April 19, 2013, 4:35 pm
Agreed! Yes I did read it and felt the same way. I was also… impressed(?) that they managed to write a satirical article that was funny while still very appropriate for the somber nature of these events.
lets_be_honest April 19, 2013, 3:57 pm
So far beyond insensitive, regardless of where you stand on the gun issue.
The fact that any lawmakers are using Boston right now to back up any of their stances on any issue disgusts me. Can you at least wait until this guy is caught?
LK7889 April 19, 2013, 4:00 pm
Looks like hateful political posturing to me. Using someone else’s pain to throw your views in people’s faces (or gain political favor) is utterly selfish. There is a right time and place to address gun control and after a bombing that killed and hurt so many, it comes off as glib and self-serving.
mylaray April 19, 2013, 4:44 pm
I can hardly get any work done today and I don’t live in the area anymore. I know way too many people just a mile or two from where all the chaos is, and I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be right there. I’m hoping for a safe ending where no one else gets hurt. I haven’t slept and I cannot believe it’s been 18+ hours of this already.
The events this week have affected me greatly. It’s really a whole new level of attacks on the public and I fear what the future brings.
FancyPants April 19, 2013, 5:19 pm
Everybody in Boston: I wish I could give you a hug right now. I’m so sorry you’re going through this and I hope you all remain safe.
LuckySeven April 19, 2013, 7:04 pm
Hugs for everyone in Boston; I can barely even watch the coverage. I hope they find that kid fast. I can’t even imagine how someone can decide that he/she is going to kill someone, much less try to bomb several people. Time for a drink.
Chaotonic April 19, 2013, 8:49 pm
He’s in custody! They got him!!!!
Kate April 19, 2013, 8:54 pm
Yes! So relieved it happened before night. Now we can all get some sleep. Watertown peeps been up since 1:30.