Yesterday, Walsh denied the “my city” comment or any political motive. It was simply the timing, he said. But a small number of police and FBI commanders should be able to answer questions for a few hours without disrupting preparations for an event at least a week in the future. And it’s hardly a sign of insensitivity, as Walsh suggests, to push the discussion so close to the anniversary of the attack. If anything, it is a sign of respect.
“It’s a positive reflection on Boston,’’ stated Keating. “We’re proud of our response.’’ Keating is one of the few Democrats who has dared to suggest that better interagency communication might have identified suspects Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev before the attack took place.
Important details about the attack and manhunt remain unclear. An MBTA police officer was shot by friendly fire while Dzhokhar Tsarnaev got away. The suspect was eventually captured, but outside the search perimeter. The ability of law enforcement to respond to future attacks depends on a fuller explanation of the shooting of the police officer and a deeper understanding of the command structure during the search for Tsarnaev.
It’s not just a police matter. Doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and victims could have added to the body of knowledge at a Homeland Security hearing in Boston. As it now stands, the hearing will take place in Washington, D.C., on April 9.
Walsh’s stance remains confusing. He admits that he urged advocates for Marathon bombing victims to pressure the committee to stay away before the race. And he insists that he can’t spare high police officials at such a sensitive time. But now, some of both groups may end up having to travel all the way to Washington to testify. If nothing else, Walsh’s incoherent meddling has sent the wrong signals about Boston’s interest in the hearing and willingness to cooperate.