Fox: Authorities Analyzing 30,000 Facebook & Twitter Messages Sent Within 1-Mile Radius of Marathon Finish Line

Liz Klimas
Boston Bombing Investigators Looking for connections in Messages Sent on Facebook, Twitter
Boston Bombing Investigators Looking for connections in Messages Sent on Facebook, Twitter

A Boston Red Sox cap left at a makeshift memorial on the Boston Marathon route April 18, 2013 in Boston. No arrests have been made in connection with the twin bombings that are the worst attack in the United States since the September 11, 2001 attacks. (Photo: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images)

In addition to photos and video, those investigating Monday's bombing of the Boston Marathon are evaluating social media as well.

According to Fox News, an investigative source said analysis of Twitter and Facebook posts 24 hours before and the 24 hours after the race -- composing more than 30,000 messages within a mile radius from the finish line -- have created a "significant social media footprint."

The source told Fox link analysis charts were created from the information, showing "the relationships between social media messages that met investigative criteria."

They are specifically looking into messages that are "out of place or coded."

In the past, social media, like Facebook, has been used countless times by law enforcement to catch thieves and other criminals. Those working on the Boston bombing case, which killed three and injured more than 170 near the race's finish line Monday afternoon, are hoping to find leads there as well.

The FBI was also turning to social media this week asking that anyone with information contact its hotlines. Facebook, Twitter and safe lists were also used the day of the explosions to help locate friends and family members on the scene while cellphones were jammed.

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Featured image via 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com.