“I still don’t understand what your plan is,” conservative activist Frank Russo told Mr. Catsimatidis, for example, about his job training program. “Quite frankly, I’m being honest. I’m not trying to be confrontational.”

“That’s public money, that’s my money,” another audience member chimed in about the proposal, which would train some young people trade skills early on in their careers. “You think it’s okay to steal it!”
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"Suspect 2" (Photo: FBI.gov)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation held a press briefing today in which they released photo and video footage of two individuals suspected of being involved in Monday's deadly bombing of the Boston Marathon.

"Today we are enlisting the public's help to identify the two suspects," F.B.I. Special Agent Richard DesLauriers said at the conference.

“After a very detailed analysis of photo, video and other evidence, we are releasing photos of these two suspects. They are identified as 'Suspect 1' and 'Suspect 2.' They appear to be associated."

"Suspect 1" is wearing a black hat with a matching black packpack and "Suspect 2" is wearing a white hat with a matching white backpack. They both are wearing dark hoodies and sneakers and walk by dozens of spectators, one after another.

A collection of photos of both can be viewed on the F.B.I.'s website in greater detail, along with directions to reach out agency with tips should the public have any.

"Somebody out there knows these individuals as friends, neighbors, co-workers, or family members of the suspects," he added. "Though it may be difficult, the nation is counting on those with information to come forward."

Mr. DesLauriers only took a couple questions, urging the media to stay focused only on official photos after a number of embarrassing reports on "possible suspects" have emerged over the last few days. The New York Post splashed the photos of two unconnected individuals on its front pages today, for example.

"For clarity, these images should be the only ones--I emphasize, the only ones--that the public should use to assist us," he explained. "Other photos should not be deemed credible and they unnecessarily divert the public's attention."

Surveillance footage of both suspects can be viewed below:

President Obama talks on the phone with FBI Director Mueller about the bombings. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Earlier this evening, President Barack Obama addressed the nation about the deadly bombing of the Boston Marathon. And, while extending his condolences, the president urged the American public to avoid jumping to conclusions—terrorism, unmentioned by Mr. Obama, seemingly being the most obvious—as the devastation is investigated.

"We still do not know who did this or why and people shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all of the facts," Mr. Obama explained. "But, make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this. We'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals—any responsible groups—will feel the full weight of justice."

Mr. Obama also said that he's mobilizing the federal government to assist local governments respond and investigate the apparent attack, as well as increasing "security around the United States as necessary."

A man is loaded into an ambulance after the explosions. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

"I've directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as necessary and investigate what happened," he said.  "I've also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino and maid it clear that they will have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families. And, above all, I made it clear to them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston."

Mr. Obama, sending his sympathies to the victims, further provided a post-partisan message of unity as Boston recovers.

"I've updated leaders of Congress in both parties and we reaffirmed that on days like this, there are no Republicans or Democrats; we are Americans united in concern for our fellow citizens," he said. "Boston is a tough and resilient town; so are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other and move forward as one proud city. And, as they do, the American people will be with them."

A man is loaded into an ambulance in Boston. (Getty Images)

As more details of the deadly explosions in Boston are released, the running community is slowly reacting to the shocking events.

Mary Wittenberg, the President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners, issued a statement lamenting the devastation and its impact on the running community in particular.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families of the bombings at the Boston Marathon today, as well as with the runners, spectators, volunteers and staff of the Boston Athletic Association," she said.

"Marathons bring out the best of the human spirit and unite our cities and towns. This is a tragic day for all of us in the running community. We are here in full support of our close friends at the BAA."

An unnamed law enforcement source told the New York Post that the original target may have been the New York  City Marathon, with Boston being the hypothetical back-up plan.

“This changes everything [in New York],’’ the source speculated. “Everyone’s on high alert. Our marathon was canceled in November. Who knows if that changed someone’s plans?’

For her part, Ms. Wittenberg reiterated her own event's commitment to security.

"The safety and security of all New York Road Runners’ races is and will always be our top priority," she said. "We will continue to work hand in hand with the City of New York and the NYPD as we plan for upcoming events.”

(Photo: Anna Silman)

Earlier today, multiple bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing at least two and injuring dozens more.

New York City has already stepped up its own security efforts in case there is a plot to attack additional cities, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced.

“[T]he NYPD has stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure, including our subways," the mayor said in a statement.

"Some of the security steps we are taking may be noticeable, including deployment of Critical Response Vehicles and additional police personnel, and others will not be. We have 1,000 members of the NYPD assigned to counter-terrorism duties, and they – along with the entire NYPD and the investments we have made in counter-terrorism infrastructure – are being fully mobilized to protect our city.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo issued his own statement announcing that all state agencies are on "a heightened state of alert as we learn more about this incident," the facts of which are still emerging.

"I have directed state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police, the MTA and the Port Authority, to be on a heightened state of alert as we learn more about this incident," Mr. Cuomo said.

(Photo: Anna Silman)

"New York National Guard on Sunday sent three vehicles and 6 soldiers to support the Marathon, and they are on hand to assist with emergency response and work together with local authorities following this incident."

Several other cities, including Washington D.C., have begun taking similar steps to secure landmarks and high-trafficked areas.

In Times Square, bystanders were frightened by the news and the heightened police presence.

Kirsten Andrews and Lauren Adamo, visitors from Maine, had been following the news for the past hour in their hotel room and came out to observe the scene in the square.

“I wanted to come down and talk to a cop and see if they have a plan in motion if anything happened right now, because it would be chaotic," said Ms. Andrews. "I’m wondering why subways and buses are still running."

Ms. Adamo was concerned about the possibility of more explosions. “My stepdad’s in the military and he says all big cities are under threat right now,” said Ms. Adamo. “It’s a little unsettling.”

A man is loaded into an ambulance after he was injured by one of two bombs exploded during the 117th Boston Marathon near Copley Square on April 15, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images)

The Boston Marathon was interrupted this afternoon by multiple large explosions, killing at least two attendees and injuring dozens more, according to the Boston Police Department.

The New York Post is reporting that as many as a dozen have been killed, with fifty injured, but other outlets are currently more conservative in their estimates.

The three blasts, which took place near the marathon's finish line, occurred about four hours after the start of the men’s race, according to The New York Times. The Associated Press reported that additional explosive devices were found near the event and are being dismantled.

"There were two bombs that exploded near the finish line in today's Boston Marathon," the organizing body behind the race said today on their Facebook page. Runners and spectators have been redirected from the blast area as law enforcement officials secured the scene.

Initial accounts described the devastation as extremely serious. "It was huge. There had to be people killed. There had to be," a witness told the  The Boston Globe. Another said there was "blood everywhere."

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick issued a statement earlier today, urging people to stay away from the area.

“This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders," he said.

"Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs."

Steven Saurbier, who saw the explosion's aftermath from his window, described a grisly scene to The Observer.

"It shook my building, we're about 100 yards down the street. I figured it was a cannon, or some giant confetti blast, or something planned for the Marathon. Then a second blast went off--much larger--and it rattled the whole building," he said.

"There was a large cloud of white smoke and people were running from the blast site. Police swarmed immediately, they removed one or two people after patting them down. There were a lot of injured people ... I estimate 20 people were medically transported. ... I saw a woman being carried by two men and I am almost positive her left leg was blown off at the knee."

Mr. Saurbier further said it wasn't clear what had caused the initial explosion, but there was a "black crater" left on the sidewalk.

“The blast was on the sidewalk outside of a restaurant. It looks like there is a black crater about a meter radius,” he continued. “There was no fire, no black smoke.”

A man is loaded into an ambulance after he was injured by one of two bombs exploded during the 117th Boston Marathon near Copley Square on April 15, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Getty Images)

Photographs of police and other emergency personnel on the scene have already begun appearing on Twitter, organized by the hashtag #BostonMarathon.

This post will be updated as additional news arrives.

The reality, the city’s comptroller said, is not necessarily found in the headlines every morning. For example, he disputes a New York Daily News report that “debunked” his claims of childhood sweatshop work. The New York Post said he “needs to just go away.” And Mr. Liu feels it’s “plainly obvious” that federal prosecutors are driving negative New York Times coverage as they investigate his mayoral campaign for fund-raising improprieties.

“You’re not supposed to fuck with the Fourth Estate,” Mr. Liu explained while sitting on a bench after a Harlem event, displaying two of his signature traits in one quick sentence—a penchant for direct talk and an increased interest in how the media portrays him.
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“The extremists … spread fear and unrealistic theories of conspiracies of a citizenry that needs to be armed because the government is possibly tyrannical,” Mr. Cuomo said on The Capitol Pressroom. “You need a system and government regulations to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. … That’s what we put in place in New York with the New York SAFE Act. It doesn’t interfere with anybody’s Second Amendment right; … that’s not what the New York SAFE Act is about. That’s why they need the fear and they have to misinform and scare people because, on the facts, it makes total sense.”
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“I wouldn’t be running–it’s way too much time and money to throw down the drain–if there was not a clear shot to victory,” Mr. Liu told Politicker.
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Bill Thompson, a candidate for mayor this year, was waxing philosophical last week about why his policy statements might not have the same pizazz as his competitors’ fiery pronouncements.

“If I had thrown an expletive in, maybe it would have gotten more attention. But then people would have to bleep it out,” he continued, sipping coffee. “Then it would be, ‘Bill Thompson, he doesn’t have the temperament to be the mayor of the City of New York!’”
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