“Good afternoon everybody.
Earlier today I was briefed by my Homeland Security team on the events in Boston.
We’re continuing to monitor and respond to the situation as it unfolds.
And I’ve directed the full resources of the Federal Government to help state and local
authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as 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 the answers but we do know that multiple people have been wounded,
some gravely, in explosions at the Boston marathon.
I’ve spoken to FBI Director Muller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano and they’re
mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.
I’ve updated leaders of Congress in both parties and we reaffirm that on days like
this, there are no Republicans or Democrats.
We are Americans united in concern for our fellow citizens.
I’ve also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino and made it clear that that have
ever 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 to their own safety in dangerous and difficult circumstances.
And we salute all those who assisted in responding to quickly and professionally to this tragedy.
We still do not know who did this or why and people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before
we have all 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’s 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’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together and 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 stage at this point, but I want to reiterate, we will
find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.
Thank you very much.”