By Colin Campbell 4/15 6:48pm

Boston Bombing

President Barack Obama talks on the phone with FBI Director Robert Mueller to receive an update on the explosions that occurred in Boston, in the Oval Office, April 15, 2013. Seated with the President are Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

‘We Still Do Not Know Who Did This or Why’: President Obama Addresses America With Comfort, Not Answers

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.” Read More

By Colin Campbell and Anna Silman 4/15 5:04pm

Breaking

(Photo: Twitter/@NYPMetro)

New York on ‘Heightened State of Alert’ After Boston Bombings

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.” Read More

By Colin Campbell and Jordyn Taylor 4/15 3:13pm

Breaking

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

Devastating Explosions Near Boston Marathon Finish Line Leave Two Dead, Dozens Injured

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.” Read More

By Kim Velsey 5/17/12 5:19pm

Manhattan Transfer

9 Photos

A Radical House

Weathermen’s Townhouse Explodes Onto Market For $10.9M

The Weathermen may not have changed society, but they certainly radicalized 18 West 11th Street. In 1970, the elegant Greenwich Village townhouse was destroyed during the radical group’s botched bomb-making attempt in the house’s basement.

Rising in the place of the Greek Revival townhouse is a somewhat oddball structure that subtly reference the home’s violent history, built in 1978 by architect Hugh Hardy and Steuben Glass executive Francis Mason. It has belonged to the Langworthy family—who famously kept a Paddington bear with a frequently-changing wardrobe in the front window (he’s now wearing a Corcoran t-shirt)—since its construction. Now listed for $10.9 million with Corcoran brokers Sara Gelbard and Paul Kolbusz, the home is certainly a “one-of-a-kind home” as the listing, which was also spotted by Curbed, boasts. Read More