Published on Apr 15, 2013

6:10PM ET - Obama issued a statement regarding the Boston Bombings. Transcript below:

"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 Mueller and Secretary of Homeland Secretary 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 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 to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted in responding so 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'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will fill the full weight of justice.

Today's a holiday in Massachusetts, Patriot's 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 a spirit of friendly competition.

Boston is a tough and resilient town, so are its people. I'm 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're still in the investigation stage 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."

Yes, Cha, they are a very strong and resilient people with great traditions and faith in each other and the future. Our love goes out to each and everyone of them and the people around the world who were impacted by this terrible event.

wishes for all those affected by the explosions at the Boston Marathon.

A tweet from Susan Rice said.. "Tonight, we are all Bostonians".

This is a sad day for Massachusetts, may everyone hold their dear ones closer tonight.

I already posted these pictures to you, however they fit here.





This is the true spirit of Boston. People from all over the world came to Boston today. We rejoice in our Freedom on Patriots Day, we applaud the tenacity of those that compete in a grueling race.

We are and will always be the Spirit of Boston.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-boston-marathon-held

The Boston Marathon has been going on for so long and this will not Change the Goodness of the people who come there from all over the world to run on Patriot's Day. Thank you, she!

This, verse from America the Beautiful. Tweet from Paul Begala is especially compelling.

Paul Begala ✔ @PaulBegala

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears. #Boston #patriotsday

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/04/15/inane-political-discussion-about-right-nouns-and-verbs/#comments

It's a huge celebration. I am in the burbs, not the city, I have walked downtown to see it.

I was off today, and planned to watch, then I found out that my great niece and nephews were going to be at my sisters. It was the only route that I could go, main street is blocked at 8 AM. I hugged and held them today. I am so glad I did. It made this horrible day better.

Paul Begala's tweet makes me cry. Our spirit is strong, I still cry.

It's still hard for me to process.. like the Newtown tragedy.

I was offline all day and only got on around 5pm my time. Took me awhile to gather myself to get on DU. Thank Goodness for All The First Responders and Everyone who Helped!

"13 Examples Of People Being Awesome After The Attack On The Boston Marathon"

Lindsay Crouse @lindsaycrouse
Boston Area restaurants open their doors to to runners and locals "pay ony if you can" @ElPelonTaqueria

Yesenia Sotelo @silverbell

Very real, very close video from #BostonMarathon explosion. Including man taking off his belt to use as tourniquet. http://bit.ly/10YcZ3R

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022681707

This won't be one of them. I won't get into it, however some of the posts and comments on DU tonight just boggle my mind. In the wake of what happened today, I am appalled. I just got back from one.

It was a delight to see my babies today Cha, they are a blessing, LOL one that I do not mind giving back to my niece. After play time, hugs and high fives, I am happy but exhausted.

Boston, Massachusetts. We are blessed with spirit and the heros that rushed to the aide of those that fell.

We are Proud and Strong!

BOG

Thanks for the Obama diary link.

Maddow Hits ‘Inane’ Discussion Over ‘Terror’ Label: Obama’s Remarks ‘Benchmark’ For American Response

"Much, frankly, inane political discussion today about whether or not everybody is using the right nouns and verbs in talking about this when it comes down to multiple explosives targeting civilian populations in an American city,” Maddow asserted. “Whether or not you use the politically correct terminology at this point, seems to me, beside the point.”

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/maddow-hits-inane-discussion-over-terror-label-obamas-remarks-benchmark-for-american-response/

It's one of my favorite places in all the world. I was very fond of the show Boston Legal, but my favorite part was always the credits where they showed the night skyline. So beautiful. No offense, but I love it even more than NYC.

I've gathered in pictures.

Alas, I never made it to Boston when I lived back East and now I probably never will.

Boston is holy.