Police are currently searching for explosive devices near the Boston Marathon finish line, and unconfirmed reports are coming in of evacuations of nearby hotels and other buildings.
Bombs also found at the JFK library and Lenox hotel. I'm literally in shock. 1/2 a mile away.
— Amber Shonts (@AmberVShonts) April 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/christheorca/status/323881016274063361
https://twitter.com/DCdebbie/status/323880866625486848
My cousin works at the Mandarin Oriental — says they just got an email to evacuate the hotel and the Prudential Center
— Steve Kornacki (@SteveKornacki) April 15, 2013
Jesus. Another device by the Mandarin Oriental 2-3 blocks before the finish.
— RoneFace (@RoneFace) April 15, 2013
Unverified reports claiming Lenox Hotel being evacuated & Mandarin Oriental possible site of suspicious device – #Boston
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) April 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/JoeDunn8/status/323887185025716225
The Lenox Hotel – across from the bomb site – has been evacuated, the nearby Copley Plaza Hotel is locked down, Boylston St. evacuated.
— newsbell (@newsbell) April 15, 2013
Fox News' @JonathanHuntFNC – Lenox Hotel is being evacuated. An eyewitness who's a cook says he tied an apron around a woman's severed leg.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) April 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/Irishsob1/status/323887550370545664
There are also reports of a fire at the JFK Library at the University of Massachusetts Boston, although there’s no word if the event is in any way connected.
Boston scanner: "Incendiary device" possible at JFK Library. Advising people to get away immediately.
— Andrew Katz (@katz) April 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/julesmattsson/status/323881932788211714
reports of a fire now at JFK Library at UMass Boston – via the Globe's live blog
— Noah Coslov (@NoahCoslov) April 15, 2013
Fire at JFK library @bostonherald pic.twitter.com/JQdc4h1cmb
— Dave Wedge (@DaveWedge) April 15, 2013
The JFK Library is on fire (unrelated so far). 3rd device found on Boylston. Something going down on Coolidge Corner #bostonmarathon
— Sloth On Holiday (@mariacelis) April 15, 2013
Scanner: "confirmed explosion at JFK library, no injuries." Some suggesting it's electrical explosion. Lots of confusion.
— Andy Carvin (@acarvin) April 15, 2013
@acarvin confirmed that it was controlled explosion.
— Brendan Brennan (@Smahten_Up) April 15, 2013
NBC News’ Luke Russert is reporting the discovery of another undetonated device in the area.
Homeland Security source tells me Boston Firefighters discovered an undetonated device at corner of St. James Ave and Trinity place
— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) April 15, 2013
* * *
Update:
Boston’s police commissioner has confirmed that there was an explosion at the JFK Library and that police believe it was related to the explosions at the marathon finish line. At the very least, police are treating the incident as thought it could have been related until they confirm otherwise.
Boston police commissioner: unclear if Boston Marathon explosions related to JFK library explosion http://t.co/dBoSK9Bcv4
— Reuters U.S. News (@ReutersUS) April 15, 2013
https://twitter.com/DanFosterNRO/statuses/323901708306612224
Boston PD says there was a "third incident" at the JFK Library. Says this is "ongoing." Recommends people stay home. @BostonMarathon
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 15, 2013
Police say 3rd incident did occur at the JFK Library…treating it as if it's related
— Steve Brusk (@stevebruskNews) April 15, 2013
Boston Police commissioner says he believes 3d explosion, at JFK Library, was related to marathon blasts.
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) April 15, 2013
The JFK Library has been tweeting from its own account.
Fire in building is out, appears to have started in the mechanical room of new building. All staff and visitors are accounted for and safe.
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) April 15, 2013
Investigators are investigating. Any tie to Boston Marathon explosions is pure speculation. More information as we receive it.
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) April 15, 2013
Officials: There will be a controlled explosion opposite the library within one minute as part of bomb squad activities.
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 15, 2013
Twitchy will update this breaking news story as details emerge.