Boston shatters post-9/11 calm ‘Act Of Terror’ Kills 3, Including 8-Year-Old, Cripples Many At Historic Marathon

Washington: American confidence about having staved off a terror attack on mainland USA after 9/11 was dented after twin blasts killed three people and injured more than 170, 17 of them critically, near the finish line of the Boston marathon. Among the victims was an eight-year-old boy. Scores of runners and bystanders lost one or both legs. Eight children were among the injured.      Nearly 24 hours after Monday's bloodbath, it was still not clear if the attack came from domestic disgruntled or foreign elements. President Barack Obama did not use the word "terror" or "terrorism" in his initial remarks, but on Tuesday, he said, "Given what we now know about what took place, the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism. Any time bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror." In a statement, he added, "What we don't know, however, is who carried out this attack, or why; whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or was the act of a malevolent individual."      There were 23,000 people running and more than 17,000 had crossed the tape when the blasts occurred 10 seconds and 90 metres apart. There were reports of a 20-year Saudi student being questioned, but the initial finger of suspicion pointed to a home-grown, lone-person attack.  ENEMY AT HOME?  Two bombs go off near finish line of Boston marathon on Monday, about 10 seconds and 90m apart. By then, 17,000 of the 23,000 runners had finished the race  Three people dead, 17 critical, many of whom had to have one or both legs amputated  Bombs were in 6-litre pressure cookers packed with metal and ball bearings, placed in black bags. Officers suspect home-grown terrorists involved  After initial caution, President Obama calls attack a 'cowardly' act of terror  No one claims responsibility but US authorities search a suburban Boston home, detain a Saudi student for questioning  Two passengers and their bags removed from a flight before it left Boston for Chicago Workers help an elderly man injured in Boston on Monday