US News

Statement from President Obama on Boston Marathon explosions

President Obama addressed the nation Monday evening about the horrific explosions that took place during the Boston Marathon. Here is his full statement:

We’re continuing to monitor and respond to the situation as it unfolds and direct the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security across the United States and necessary and investigate what happened.

The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight and Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.

We don’t yet have all of the answers, but we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon. I have spoken to FBI Director Mullin and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano and they are mobilizing the necessary resources to investigate and respond. I have updated leaders of Congress in both parties and reaffirmed that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans united in concern for our fellow citizens.

I have also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino and made it clear that they have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families, and above all, I made clear to them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston.

Boston police, firefighters and first responders as well as the National Guard responded heroically and continue to do so as we speak. It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day without regard for their own safety in dangerous and difficult circumstances and we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally during this tragedy.

We still do not know who did this or why and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all of the facts. But make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this and we will find out who did this, we will find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.

Today is a holiday in Massachusetts, Patriots’ Day, it’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation and it is a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in the spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are its people. I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other and move forward as one proud city and as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.

You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We are still in the investigation phase at this point but I just want to reiterate, we will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable. Thank you very much.