Gray, Lanier, and other D.C. officials address the bombings in Boston. (Photo by Benjamin R. Freed)
Mayor Vince Gray, Police Chief Cathy Lanier, and other District officials said today they are tightening security throughout the city following two bombings earlier today in Boston. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence as well as other measures, though the officials said tomorrow’s Emancipation Day Parade is still scheduled to go on as planned.
Two bombs exploded about 2:50 p.m. today near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing two and wounding at least 110, according to the Boston Police Department. The marathon is one of the premiere road races and takes place on Patriots Day, a Massachusetts state holiday that gathers large crowds into downtown Boston. Noting that Emancipation Day and its celebratory parade draws a large scene in D.C., Lanier said the Metropolitan Police Department will be deploying additional patrols tomorrow.
Gray, who was joined by Lanier, D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Paul Quander, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Geldart, among others, said he and his team are monitoring the situation in Boston and have offered assistance to that city should it need any.
MPD and Metro Transit Police upped their patrols shortly after the first reports of the explosions in Boston. Metro police officers on duty during the day shift are being kept on for overtime this evening, the transit agency said this afternoon.
“We don’t know of any credible threat in the District of Columbia,” Lanier said at the news conference.” She would not elaborate beyond additional patrols as to what extra steps MPD will be taking, but said the moves are a standard procedure following any kind of major disaster around the United States or internationally.
As for the parade, officials said spectators should go ahead with their plans to view the parade. “We have no changes in plan to this stage,” Gray said. “We hope people come down to engage in this celebration.”
The parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with Gray and other city officials marching in the procession. The Emancipation Day Festival follows, taking place on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW in front of the John A. Wilson Building.
Lanier said that despite the increased security, the thousands expected to turn out for the 151st anniversary of the freeing of 3,100 slaves in the District of Columbia should not be deterred.
“Come down and enjoy the event,” Lanier said.
