Monday evening, President Obama gave the following statement about the explosions at the Boston Marathon:
Good afternoon, everybody. Earlier today I was briefed by my homelandsecurity team on the events in Boston. We're continuing to monitor andrespond to the situation as it unfolds, and I've directed the fullresources of the federal government to help state and localauthorities protect our people, increase security around the UnitedStates, as necessary, and investigate what happened. The Americanpeople will say a prayer for Boston tonight, and Michelle and I sendour deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in thewake of this senseless loss.
We don't yet have all the answers, but we do know that multiple peoplehave been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.I've spoken to FBI Director Mueller and Secretary of HomelandSecretary Napolitano, and they're mobilizing the appropriate resourcesto investigate and to respond.
I've updated leaders of Congress in both parties, and we reaffirm thaton days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats; we areAmericans united in concern for our fellow citizens.
I've also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino, and made itclear that they have every single federal resource necessary to carefor the victims and counsel the families. And above all, I made clearto them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston.
Boston police, firefighters, and first responders, as well as theNational Guard, responded heroically and continue to do so as wespeak.
It's a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on ourbehalf every single day, without regard to their own safety, indangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those whoassisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.
We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn't jump toconclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake, we willget to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this. We'llfind out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, anyresponsible groups, will fill the full weight of justice.
Today's a holiday in Massachusetts, Patriots Day. It's a day thatcelebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this greatAmerican city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of ournation, and it's a day that draws the world to Boston's streets in aspirit of friendly competition.
Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are its people. I'm supremelyconfident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other,and move forward as one proud city, and as they do, the Americanpeople will be with them every single step of the way.
You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams willprovide you briefings. We're still in the investigation stage at thispoint. But I just want to reiterate, we will find out who did this,and we will hold them accountable. Thank you very much.
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