Boston Marathon Security High As Runners Start Race, Cross Finish Line
The 2015 Boston Maraton is well underway, and security in and around Boston is very high. According to AOL News, Boston police and the Massachusetts State Police have beefed up security at the marathons following the 2013 bombings. While security was higher than normal in 2014, this year police have been particularly mindful of the fact that Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is awaiting his sentencing, and things are a bit more tense than usual.
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said that the additional security shouldn’t take away from the atmosphere, and that he expects runners and spectators to have a lovely day (even if it is rainy).
“We have significant resources and personnel out there to protect our public. It won’t change our atmosphere. The city will be the same positive environment that people are used to enjoying during the Boston Marathon,” said Walsh.
The 2015 Boston Marathon got off to a great start this morning, but police crowded the area near the starting line. A very heavy police presence has been at the finish line as well. According to Yahoo! News, authorities have the right to search bags and coolers, and will do so sporadically throughout the day.
“Police urged spectators not to bring large bags or coolers, saying that such packages would be subject to search. They also banned the use of drones along the course.”
Runners and spectators seem more than okay with the additional police presence. According to WHDH, people seem to welcome the additional security measures, and all seem to be cooperating with any and all guidelines. If Boylston Street ends up getting too crowded, police have a plan to minimize foot traffic, and to disperse the crowd.
“It’s appreciated. I mean, the police have been very friendly and it’s well set up,” said runner Brent Bell.
If you’re interested in watching the remainder of the Boston Marathon, you can do so online. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, live cams have been set up along the marathon route so that people can check in on the event as much or as little as they would like, straight from their computers, or from their hand-held devices.
Police also have their own cameras set up as part of a video surveillance system.
“We’ve got a lot of cameras out there. We’re going to be watching the portions in Boston, particularly the routes along Boylston Street, the finish line. That’s the area where two bombs detonated two years ago. Video footage helped authorities identify the terrorists,” said Boston Police Deputy Supt. William Ridge.
[Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images]
