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
Security and public safety officials are “laser-focused” on ensuring Monday’s 26.2-mile Boston Marathon is an enjoyable experience for all involved.
Federal, state and local officials told reporters Thursday they are not aware of “any specific or credible threats” to the 127th running, but they are urging the public to remain vigilant.
“I can assure you that all of the law enforcement agencies standing before you today have become better, stronger and much more tightly connected because of (the 2013 tragedy),” said Joe Bonavolonta, the FBI’s special agent in charge for the Boston field office.
Bonavolonta highlighted how FBI special agents and task force officers assigned to the FBI Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force will be integrated in “all aspects of the marathon route.” They will be embedded within command posts, supporting the Joint Intelligence Center in Chelsea and monitoring any threats, he said.
“The greatest threat we face are lone actors who radicalize online and look to attack what they deem to be soft targets with easily accessible weapons and little to no warning,” Bonavolonta added.
Officials are asking spectators to be aware of their surroundings, ensure their phone is set up to receive emergency and public safety notifications and to say something if they see anything suspicious.
Areas along the course will have enhanced security procedures, including checkpoints and bag checks. Spectators are not allowed to bring drones and are urged to take photos from ground level.
The State Police Air Wing and Drone Unit will provide overwatch along the route from Hopkinton to Boylston Street. There will be a significant presence of undercover officers in a joint intelligence operation, state Police Lt. Col. Mark Cyr said.
“First and foremost, this year our thoughts, as they have been every year since 2013, are with the victims of the terrorist attack on this event and the violent aftermath several days later,” Cyr said. “Our work is inspired by those tragically lost, by the resilience of the many survivors who endured traumatic and life-altering injuries.”
Thinking about heading into the city for race festivities over the weekend and Monday? Don’t drive, take public transportation, officials say. Many streets will be blocked off for vehicle traffic.
“The MBTA is in a good position to handle these large volumes of people,” MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green said. “There might be some slow zones, but the T is working feverishly to rectify that problem.”