In an unprecedented move, up to one million Boston residents are being told to stay indoors following a series of events last night involving two suspected Boston Marathon bombers who allegedly engaged police in a firefight and killed an MIT security officer. One suspect was killed, but the other remained on the loose.
According to police and news reports, 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnev and his 19-year-old brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnev, are the two suspects involved in Monday’s Boston bombing. In the still photos the FBI released yesterday, Tamerlan is “suspect no. 1” with the black cap and sunglasses, while Dzhokar is one with the white cap turned backwards known as “suspect no. 2.” Both are American citizens of Russian descent.
The shootout started after the brothers robbed a 7-11 convenience store before 11 pm.., who then shot and killed an MIT police officer sitting in his police cruiser, now identified as 26-year-old Sean Collier of Somerville.
The brothers then carjacked an SUV for 30 minutes, taking the driver hostage. Following a half hour, the driver was let go. According to multiple witnesses, the brothers brandished automatic weapons as well as hand grenades. Local hospitals were ordered Code Black, which indicates a bomb threat. At some point during the exchange, police killed Tamerlan Tsarnev. Transit officer Richard Donahue, 33, was severely injured in the pursuit, according to news reports.
It was later found that Tamerlan had an IED strapped to his body. Throughout Boston, police are confirming controlled detonations of suspicious packages. Transit systems, businesses and universities have been closed throughout the city. Photos across the internet show armored SWAT members scaling houses and entering residences trying to find the younger Tsarnev, who is described as a white male, with black, curly hair.
“There is a massive manhunt underway. We are asking the public stay indoors,” said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick . President Obama has been briefed on the situation as of 10 a.m. by Attorney General Eric Holder and Director of the FBI Robert Muller
While information is rapidly pouring in, what is known is that the 19-year-old Dzhokhar is still at large, thought to be in the Boston suburb of Watertown. The FBI, Homeland Security and Boston Police are all actively searching for the suspected terrorist, with some reports of rockets being found near the suspect’s apartment. According to Boston police, the suspect may be driving a gray Honda CRV with Mass. Plates of 316ES9.
It is believed the Tsarnev family arrived in the United States around 2002 or 2003. What is known, however is that Tamerlan Tsarnev was granted Ameircan citizenship in 2007. Police are also actively searching for a third accomplice, thought to be on an Amtrack train headed toward Newark Penn Station. Police have surrounded the train, and have asked anyone reporting from scanners to cease immedaitely for possible tipping of police actions.
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis has labeled the man as a terrorist. “We believe this to be a man who’s come here to kill people.”
The suspect’s father described his son as a “true angel” to the Associated Press and also noted his son was a medical student. The uncle of the suspects is currently cooperating with authorities and has stated his nephew deserves any punishment coming his way.