Chicago Reacts To Boston Marathon Bombing [UPDATE]
By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 15, 2013 11:05PM
***This post has been updated below.***
Our colleagues at Gothamist are updating the story of the bombings at today's Boston Marathon as new developments come in. Here in Chicago, families of race participants can check on their loved ones who took part in the race via Google, which has set up a person finder for those looking for information on someone or people with information on a runner.
One area running group, Naperville-based Experience Triathlon, told Lisle Patch all their runners are safe and accounted for.
The City Office of Emergency Management and Communications released a statement saying the city's public safety departments are in communication with each other and keeping tabs on the events in Boston.
At this time, there is no known threat to Chicago. We remind first responders, as always, to use caution when responding to suspicious persons or activity.”
Chicagoist placed a call to the Police Department's Office of News Affairs to see if they're increasing their street presence in the wake of the bombings. When they have an official announcement, we'll share it with readers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's media relations office posted official statements from Emanuel to his Facebook page offering his condolences to those hurt in the bombings and the bravery of first respondents:
"I called Mayor Thomas Menino this afternoon to convey support from the people of Chicago. During this time of tragedy and uncertainty, the people of Boston are in our thoughts and prayers. The running of the Boston Marathon and Patriots Day are time-honored traditions. While the details of today’s tragedy are still unclear, one thing was immediately known: the patriotism and professionalism of public servants and first responders. Our hearts go out the first responders, runners, volunteers and spectators in Boston today."
Amtrak is increasing security at stations and track right-of-ways, and has asked passengers to report anything suspicious to 1-800-331-0008 or 911.
UPDATE: A marathon runner from Lisle, Ill., relayed her experience at the finish line. Another runner from Oak Forest, Ill., said the explosion "sounded just like a percussion bomb at Sox Park," and he thought it was fireworks. Eight marathon runners from Springfield have been confirmed to be unharmed by the blast.