ABSTRACT
On April 15, 2013, the Boston Marathon was in full swing when at 2:49 p.m., near the finish line on Boylston Street, two improvised explosive devices detonated just 12 seconds apart. The blasts killed three people, injured over 200, and inflicted considerable shock and concern across the country. As first responders rushed to the scene to treat victims, news of the terrorist attack spread via traditional media outlets as well as social media. Many citizens sought out information on what was happening and, in addition, advice on how to protect themselves and their families. Government agencies obliged via social media with advisories, road closure updates, and other relevant information (Sutton, Johnson, Spiro, & Butts, 2013). Law enforcement agencies specifically sought citizen involvement to identify the perpetrators. The result was an engaged population which more closely followed and participated in the subsequent manhunt.
