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Boston Marathon Bombings: How You Can Help

By William Peacock, Esq. on April 16, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

It's been nearly twenty-four hours since the bombings at the Boston Marathon and we know very little about just what happened. News reports are calling the explosives crude bombs, packed with nails and shrapnel, and left in trash cans. The death toll stands at three, including 8-year-old Martin Richard, whose mother is recovering from brain surgery and whose sister lost a leg in the blast, reports NBC.

We're saddened by yesterday's act of terror. We feel powerless, frustrated, and angry. There wasn't much more that could have been done preventative-measure wise. Bomb sweeps were done before the marathon. Security was heavy. Short of requiring metal detectors to enter the city or abandoning all pedestrian-heavy events, there is little that can be done beforehand.

But there is something we all can do now, however.

If you are in Boston, there are still stranded runners who need places to stay. And though the Red Cross indicated yesterday that they had sufficient donated blood and financial resources to meet their needs, they did request that anyone interested in donating blood or platelets schedule an appointment in the coming weeks to replenish the supply. Appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Salvation Army is also providing support to survivors and first responders.

Most importantly from the legal perspective, earlier today, President Barack Obama urged Americans to remain vigilant and alert to suspicious behavior. If you were at the Boston Marathon, law enforcement authorities are looking for video and photographic footage of the event. Though they have obtained surveillance footage from news organizations and local businesses, something as simple as a cell phone video might have a clear image of the person or persons responsible for planting the bombs in trash cans near the race.

Here are some resources to help you pass on any information that might help authorities bring the bombers to justice:

  • If you have any video, photos, or tips, you can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) and choose prompt #3.
  • You can also email the FBI at boston@ci.fbi.gov.
  • You can contact the Boston Police Department at their tip line: 1-800-494-TIPS or the task force tip line at 617-223-6610. (Thanks Boston.com for the numbers.)

Update 3:31 PST, April 18, 2013: The FBI has now provided security video from the race. If you know the men pictured, please notify the FBI. 

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