UPDATE: 11:30 AM EST TUESDAY
President Barack Obama addressed the nation this morning from the White House, this time, officially calling the Boston Marathon bombing an act of “terrorism.”
“This was a heinous and cowardly act, and given what we know about what took place, the F.B.I. is investigating it as an act of terrorism,” Mr. Obama said in a brief appearance at the White House. “Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians it is an act of terror.”
Watch the video above.
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Today, President Barack Obama spoke to the nation regarding the Boston Marathon bombings, which left 100 individuals injured and two confirmed dead.
PHOTOS: PRAYERS! 2 Bombs Explode At Boston Marathon Finish Line
“The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight,” Obama started off. “On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats – we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens,” he said.
The president then said that authorities still do not know who did this.
“We will find out who did this. We will find out why they did this,” he said. “I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other & move forward – as one proud city.”
He ended the press conference assuring the people of Boston that the White House would do whatever it took to apprehend whoever is responsible for these acts.
“Any individuals or groups responsible for the senseless bombing will feel the full weight of justice.”
Earlier today the president was notified by phone about the blasts from FBI Director Robert Mueller.
The White House released this statement:
The President has been notified of the incident in Boston. His administration is in contact with state and local authorities. He directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response.
While many news outlets are calling the bombings a terrorist attack, President Obama did not use the word to describe the explosions.
The bombings are still under investigation.
SOURCE: White House
