Ep 19. Manhunt - Boston Bombers

On April 15th, 2013 two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. In the aftermath, the entire city was put on lockdown as law enforcement launched a massive manhunt for the perpetrators. In this episode of NOVA, titled "Manhunt - Boston Bombers," viewers are taken behind the scenes of that dramatic week in America's history.

Through interviews with key players such as Mayor Thomas Menino, former Boston police commissioner Ed Davis, and FBI special agent Richard DesLauriers, viewers gain insight into the complex investigation that unfolded. They'll learn how investigators used forensic evidence, surveillance footage from businesses and private homes, and even social media to track down the suspects, brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

NOVA also examines the technology and techniques used to gather and analyze the vast amount of data collected during the investigation. Viewers will see how analysts used video and image analysis software to identify the suspects and connect them to their activities leading up to the bombing.

As the manhunt intensified, Boston residents were left wondering if they would ever feel safe again. NOVA explores this sense of unease and fear, and how community leaders worked to restore confidence in law enforcement and reassure the public.

One of the most dramatic moments of the investigation occurred when Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was found hiding in a boat in a suburban backyard. NOVA takes viewers inside the boat to examine the bullet holes and other evidence left behind, and examines how the standoff played out and what it revealed about the mindset of the suspects.

Finally, NOVA discusses the impact of the Boston Marathon bombing on law enforcement and the public's perception of terrorism. Experts discuss how this new era of domestic terrorism presents unique challenges for investigators, and how agencies are adapting to meet the threat.

"Manhunt - Boston Bombers" is a riveting look at one of America's most tragic and transformative events in recent years. Through firsthand accounts and cutting-edge technology, NOVA offers viewers an in-depth understanding of the manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers and its impact on Boston and the nation.