America was struck yet again by an act of terror yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and the first responders, medical personnel and law enforcement who have been helping them throughout the aftermath.
If we do not include active shooter situations like Sandy Hook and Aurora, this is the first large scale terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. It's been a long stretch, and I think many of us have been waiting for the next big attack. As technology to perpetrate these kinds of attacks becomes more and more easily accessible, and more fractured extremist groups emerge, I fear we will see more and more attacks of this nature in the coming years.
My guess would be a home-grown Al Queda sympathizing cell is behind the attacks. Some in the liberal media, with no proof, are clamoring about right wing extremists (of course), but the nature of the attack and indiscriminate targeting make that unlikely, at least in my mind.
We had a few friends who were right at the finish line within a few minutes before the bombs detonated, and have family of other friends who were running in the actual marathon and finished just a few minutes prior to the attacks. Very close calls in all cases.
We're hearing lots of stories of improvised first aid--belts used as tourniquets, t-shirts to compress wounds--small IFAK-type kits with tourniquets, gauze for packing, etc. can and do save lives. One can be put together for under $40 and can fit in a cargo pocket, EDC bag or purse without adding much in the way of weight.
Again, our thoughts and prayers go out to those effected by the attacks. Stay vigilant!
Edit: Looks like the bombs were pressure cookers loaded with black powder and shrapnel. Not a very sophisticated device at all; certainly something pretty much any whacko could put together in his basement over a weekend.
