PRESSURE COOKER BOMB

“At first look, the devices used in the attack appear to have been rudimentary explosive devices constructed with a common homemade explosive mixture. In other words, virtually anyone could have constructed them using readily available items. Although made of common items, it appears the bombmaker intended the devices to cause maximum casualties by adding shrapnel to multiple devices planted at a heavily congested event.

Still, investigators will painstakingly search the crime scene for evidence that could help identify the bombmaker. They will look for fragments of the device that they can use to potentially trace their origin. They will also be looking for evidence that could identify the bombmaker, such as fingerprints, fiber evidence and traces of DNA. If reports of multiple undetonated devices being located are true — and they may not be, since in the wake of a blast everything tends to look like an improvised explosive device — then the undetonated devices will provide a treasure trove of forensic evidence for the investigators to work with.

While any number of actors could have conducted this attack based on the simplicity of the devices, it took some degree of planning to create and place multiple devices. Many different types of groups have used multiple devices in terrorist attacks, so that fact alone does not help identify the culprits. But if there were multiple unexploded devices recovered from different areas in Boston in addition to the two that did detonate, this would indicate that more than one person carried out the attacks, meaning an organized group was involved rather than a lone wolf. Multiple unexploded devices could suggest some sort of tactical incompetence presented by the attackers. Long race venues such as the Boston Marathon also spread out security resources over large areas, likely allowing the attackers to more easily plant multiple devices throughout the city without being detected.” –Stratfor Research

Boston Bombing Suspect Identified, Authorities Believe

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 04/17/2013 13:12 -0400

It appears the hunt for the so far unidentified Boston nomber may be coming to an end. From Bloomberg:

•OFFICIALS BELIEVE BOMBING SUSPECT IDENTIFIED, CNN SAYS
•ONE SUSPECT CLEARLY IDENTIFIED IN VIDEO, CNN’S KING SAYS
•AUTHORITIES HAVE IMAGE OF SUSPECT W/BAG AT 2ND BOMB SITE:GLOBE
•IDENTIFICATION COMING FROM STORE SECURITY CAMERA, CNN SAYS
•Authorities have an image of a suspect carrying, and perhaps dropping, a black bag at the second bombing scene – Globe.com
And the kicker:

•Suspect is a “dark-skinned male” according to CNN. Apparently that is the proper nomenclature.
From Boston Globe:

An official briefed on the Boston Marathon bombing investigation said today that authorities have an image of a suspect carrying, and perhaps dropping, a black bag at the second bombing scene on Boylston Street, outside of the Forum restaurant.

Investigators are “very close” in the investigation, said the official, who declined to be named.

That official said authorities may publicize their finding as early as this afternoon.

The same official also said a surveillance camera at Lord & Taylor, located directly across the street, has provided clear video of the area, though it was unclear whether the image of the suspect was taken from that camera.

Authorities planned to brief the media on the progress of the investigation at 5 p.m. today.

Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said shortly before noon after leaving FBI headquarters that investigators were “working hard and there’s a lot going on,” but he had no comment on whether progress had been made in the case. No arrests were reported this morning.

Authorities had appealed to the public for video and photographs of the area near the bombing scene at the finish line of the marathon, noting that many people among the crowd were likely to have taken photos of the conclusion of the world-renowned event.

Two bombs exploded within seconds of each other at 2:50 p.m. Monday near the Boylston Street finish line, killing three people and injuring 176, many of whom suffered major trauma from flying shrapnel, including nails and ball bearings that authorities have said were stuffed into the explosive devices by their makers.