On Sept. 17, a bomb exploded in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Later that day, a second bomb exploded in Chelsea, Manhattan, injuring 31 people.
State troopers discovered a third device just a few blocks away.
The New Jersey bomb exploded at 9:30 a.m. in the area where the Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K run was scheduled to take place. However, the run had been “canceled due to an unidentified suspicious backpack found at the race site,” according to the Seaside Semper Five website.
Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Al Della Fave said that there were no reported injuries or damages to surrounding structures, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Speculation surrounds the two bombings. While many politicians and government officials are certain that the bombings were an act of terror, few specifics are known.
In an interview with The Washington Post, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “We know there was a bombing. We know it was a very serious incident, but we have a lot more work to do to be able to say what kind of motivation was behind this.”
According to CNN, the FBI suspects Ahmad Khan Rahami for both bombings, and Rahami was taken into custody following a shoot-out in which he and two officers were injured. The criminal complaint filed in federal court said that Rahami was inspired by Osama bin Laden and other known international terrorists.
According to The Telegraph, Rahami said he was given instructions, “from terrorist leaders to attack non-believers where they live.”
Since 9/11, America has been high alert for terrorist threats. Many are afraid that a tragedy or an attack like this could happen in near their homes and safe places.
Senior Madison Dugan used to live in New York, and her family currently lives near where the New York bomb detonated.
“I’m very much affected by [the bombing] because my family was so close to it, and it’s scary to think that one of them could’ve been hurt. I am upset that a place that I consider my home is being attacked. I think we can try and stop these attacks by just showing love and consideration for everyone, because this is clearly an attack of hate,” said Dugan.
