Department of Homeland Security's Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office was on the ground April 18 when the Boston Marathon returned to Patriot's Day for the first time in years.
According to an April 29 DHS news release, the Mobile Detection Deployment Unit monitored for potentially harmful radiological, nuclear and chemical agents to assist the Boston Police Department and other first responder agencies. DHS provided the support "as a precautionary measure and not in response to any specific threat," the release said.
"Providing equipment and training to state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement and first responders better prepares them to protect the nation from weapons of mass destruction," Acting Assistant CWMD Secretary Gary Rasicot said in the release. "This is one of CWMD’s primary functions. The Boston Marathon has a storied history that is significant to the city of Boston and the entire country. We are proud to assist with keeping this event safe for all."
The Boston Marathon's 26.2-mile route stretches from Hopkinton, through several other towns and finishing on Boylston Street in Boston. The news release reported this year's event attracted nearly one million people and approximately 30,000 athletes.
"This support is often requested by local authorities to enhance security leading up to special events such as concerts, music festivals, major sporting events and other mass gatherings," the news release said. "These units have extensive equipment designed to detect the release of harmful radiological/nuclear, chemical or biological agents before or during these events."
