Politicians react to explosions at the Boston Marathon

President Barack Obama:

“We don’t yet have all the answers, but we do know that multiple people have been injured. . . mobilizing resources with FBI. . .

“On days like this, there are no Republicans and Democrats. We are all Americans united with concern for our fellow citizens. . . All Americans stand with the people of Boston.

“Boston police, firefighters, the National Guard responded heroically. . . reminded of people who serve this country everyday.

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

“Today is Patriot’s Day in Boston. . . It is a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough town [and] I am confident they will take care of one another. . . And as they do, the American people will be with them every step of the way.

“As more information is available, our team will provide new briefings. we’re still in the investigation stage.”

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner:

“The House of Representatives offers its prayers to the victims and the city of Boston. We also give thanks for the professionals and Good Samaritans who prevented further loss of life. This is a terrible day for all Americans, but we will carry on in the American spirit, and come together with grace and strength.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg:

“As law enforcement authorities investigate today’s explosions in Boston, I ask all New Yorkers to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers. I have spoken with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, and the NYPD has stepped up security at strategic locations and critical infrastructure, including our subways. Some of the security steps we are taking may be noticeable, including deployment of Critical Response Vehicles and additional police personnel, and others will not be. We have 1,000 members of the NYPD assigned to counter-terrorism duties, and they – along with the entire NYPD and the investments we have made in counter-terrorism infrastructure – are being fully mobilized to protect our city.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and Massachusetts as reports come in on the horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon. I have directed state agencies, including the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Police, the MTA and the Port Authority, to be on a heightened state of alert as we learn more about this incident. New York National Guard on Sunday sent three vehicles and 6 soldiers to support the Marathon, and they are on hand to assist with emergency response and work together with local authorities following this incident.”

Council Speaker Christine Quinn:

“As New Yorkers, we know all too well the devastating reality terrorist acts have had on our country. The thoughts and prayers of all New Yorkers and the entire nation are with the people of Boston.

In the wake of today¹s tragedy, we must send a clear and unequivocal message to anyone who attempts to harm our country with acts of terror: their deeds will not go unpunished. Those who target innocent people will be brought to justice, held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of all laws.”

Comptroller John Liu:

“The bombings at the Boston Marathon show that cities must redouble their vigilance in combating acts of terror and sabotage. Our prayers go out to the families of those killed or injured.”

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio:

“This is a painful day for all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed and injured in today’s terrible explosions. We take resolve in witnessing the service and bravery of the police and first responders who ran to the blast area to save lives and help the victims. We have every confidence that working together, law enforcement will use its resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese:

“I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to the people of Boston today. The scenes we’re seeing are terrifying and tragic. Unfortunately, they aren’t unfamiliar to New Yorkers. As the NYPD beefs up security, New Yorkers must stay vigilant. A decade of strong anti-terrorism efforts have helped keep the city safe, but we can never allow ourselves to become complacent. We also can’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions about who is responsible. Boston authorities will know in due time, and I’m confident that justice will be served.”

Mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis:

“It appears that once again terrorists have struck on American soil. We must keep the victims and their families in our prayers. As law enforcement investigates this incident we must also remember the job that  Commissioner Ray Kelly and the men and women of the NYPD have done in keeping our city safe. Should this prove to be a terrorist attack we must redouble our efforts to protect the citizens of our city and make sure that law enforcement has the resources they need to do their job.”

State Senator Greg Ball:

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the citizens of Boston and the families of those involved in today’s explosions and I thank and salute those first responders, citizens and law enforcement who are tending to the victims as we speak. While reports remain unclear, it is important that New Yorkers and all Americans remain vigilant. The blessing of freedom bears an enormous responsibility and we must all work together as a community to watch over each other. We must always be alert and remember that our brave citizens are our very first line of defense. If you see something, say something.”

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz:

“Brooklyn’s thoughts and prayers are with the city of Boston and all of those who were killed or injured by the bombings at the Boston Marathon. . .Regardless of who is to blame for yesterday’s deplorable acts of terrorism, that individual or those individuals must be made an example of and evil doers the world over made to realize that any action against the American people will be met with swift, systematic punishment. As Americans always have in the past, we will find strength in the face of adversity and we will recover from this atrocity, but we will forever commemorate and remember the victims and their families.”

“Brooklyn’s thoughts and prayers are with the city of Boston and all of those who were killed or injured by the bombings at the Boston Marathon, and tonight we will light Borough Hall green in honor of all the victims and their families. Regardless of who is to blame for yesterday’s deplorable acts of terrorism, that individual or those individuals must be made an example of and evil doers the world over made to realize that any action against the American people will be met with swift, systematic punishment. As Americans always have in the past, we will find strength in the face of adversity and we will recover from this atrocity, but we will forever commemorate and remember the victims and their families.”

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