FBI releases images of Boston bombing suspects

Updated

The FBI has released images of two "armed and extremely dangerous" suspects it is hunting over the deadly Boston Marathon bombings.

FBI agent Richard DesLauriers released the images, of two men wearing baseball caps and carrying backpacks, at a crowded press conference this morning.

Special Agent DesLauriers said the two men - named as Suspect One and Suspect Two - were seen walking together before the blasts.

He said Suspect Two, wearing a white hat, set down a backpack in front of the restaurant which was the scene of the second explosion.

The FBI is seeking public help in identifying the men and has posted the footage and stills on its website.

"Though it may be difficult, the nation is counting on those with information to come forward and provide it to us," Special Agent DesLauriers said.

The horror of that day will remain with us forever. This further underscores our effort to investigate this crime to bring these people to justice. The victims and survivors deserve nothing less. FBI agent Richard DesLauriers

"For more than 100 years the FBI has relied upon the public to be its eyes and ears. With the media's help, in an instant these images will be delivered into the hands of millions around the world.

"Somebody out there knows these individuals as friends, neighbours, co-workers, or family members."

He urged members of the public not to approach the men.

"We consider them to be armed and extremely dangerous. No-one should attempt to apprehend them except law enforcement," he said.

"Let me reiterate that caution. Do not take any action on your own."

The attacks killed three people and injured about 180 in a hail of nails and ball bearings.

Ten victims lost limbs and scores more suffered serious injuries, with emergency room doctors plucking nails and ball bearings from the wounded.

The crowded scene along the race course in central Boston was recorded by surveillance cameras and media outlets, providing investigators with video footage of the area before and after the twin blasts.

Special Agent DesLauriers has urged people to continue providing information to authorities.

"No bit of information, no matter how small or inconsequential, is too small for us to see," he said.

"The horror of that day will remain with us forever.

"This further underscores our effort to investigate this crime to bring these people to justice.

"The victims and survivors deserve nothing less."

Investigators had so far kept information close to their chest, fearing a repeat of a fiasco which occurred when similar photos, which were released following the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing, led to the arrest of an innocent man.

The FBI was yesterday forced to deny reports from CNN, Fox and the Associated Press that a suspect had been arrested.

Earlier, US president Barack Obama told a memorial service in Boston that the "evil" bombers would be found.

With a heavy police presence outside, marathon runners, emergency workers and residents crammed into Boston's cathedral to pray for those affected.

The president delivered a spirited speech telling them the city would recover and that everyone was behind them.

"We may be momentarily knocked off our feet but we'll pick ourselves up, we'll keep on going. We'll finish the race," Mr Obama said.

"This time next year on the 3rd Monday in April the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever and to cheer even louder for the 118th Boston Marathon."

It was a sentiment echoed by the city's mayor Tom Menino.

"I'm telling you nothing can defeat the heart of this city, nothing," he said.

Mr Obama later met with families of victims and the volunteers who had rushed to help the injured.

Police remain out in force around the bombing site, which remains closed off for several blocks as they search for evidence.

ABC/wires

Topics: terrorism, crime, law-crime-and-justice, united-states

First posted