The Boston Bombings Tragedy

On a Monday afternoon, April 15, 2013, 2 bombs exploded near the finish line in a Boston Marathon. America's original response was shock, as is usually the case with tragedies. The search began that day for the suspects in the bombings. For three days, there was no identification on the suspects other than a picture taken by a street camera the day of the bombings. The FBI had asked the public to help in identifying the suspects. On April 18, 2013, the FBI finally identified the two suspects as Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, thanks to the help of the public. After the two suspects were identified, the authorities (a combination of Boston Police, Swat team, and other enforcement) scoured the city, searching for clues and evidence as to where the two men may have run off too. A firefight engaged in the early hours of April 19, 2013 and the result ended with the death of Tamerlan, the older brother and the escape of Dzhokhar. The city of Boston was shut down for that day during the day-long manhunt and clues to the suspect were few. The suspect was finally found and captured, heavily bleeding in a boat in a suburban backyard and was immediately sent to a hospital.

I do not know how to react to such a devastating tragedy. Four months following the Sandy Hook tragedy, another tragedy occurs. It is believed that the two brothers were Islamic extremist, originating from Chechnya. I do not believe it is possible to prevent all extremist or psychopathic people from causing such tragedies. We cannot always provide enough evidence to convict any "suspicious" people. However, I do believe that those that are suspicious should be monitored. Therefore, what I do believe is possible is stronger security at any and all public areas and events. We do not necessarily need security guards or the army storming the streets. Video surveillance of public areas is sufficient enough. If it is possible, cities could recruit people to watch the surveillance at all times and shifts. However, if that is too much, video surveillance on its own is already useful in tracking down and identifying criminals quickly. If possible, undercover agents can roam the streets of large public areas and look for any suspicious characters. All in all, stronger measures of security and surveillance can and should be implemented nationwide, in order to prevent future attempts at mass destruction or murder.