President Obama vowed on Monday that those behind the bombing which killed at least three people at the Boston Marathon “will feel the full weight of justice.”
“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,” Obama said, offering condolences to victims and their families and praising first responders.
“We will find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice,” Obama added.
Obama was briefed within minutes of the explosions that killed at least three people and injured more than 140 more near the finish line of the marathon, as the federal government boosted security measures and offered pledges of law enforcement support to the investigation.
Two bombs exploded in the crowded streets near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing at least three people and injuring more than 140 in a bloody scene of shattered glass and severed limbs that raised alarms that terrorists might have struck again in the U.S.
Reports emerged that among the dead was an 8-year-old child.
The twin blasts sent authorities out on the course to carry off the injured while the stragglers in the 26.2-mile (40 kilometer) trek were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.
Subway trains were stopped, as Boston police called on the residents of the city to stay in their homes. Off-duty Police Officers were also called in to help with the situation. Meanwhile, according to CNN, a hotel located near the finish line was evacuated following the blast.
A third explosion was heard about an hour following the first two after authorities warned spectators to expect a loud noise from a water cannon that Police apparently were using to destroy one of the devices.
A law enforcement official said mobile phone service has been shut down in the Boston area to prevent any potential remote detonations of explosives.
Meanwhile, British Police are reviewing security plans for Sunday’s London Marathon, the next major international marathon,
Police already were preparing a major security operation for Wednesday’s ceremonial funeral for former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, an event at St. Paul’s Cathedral that will be attended by Queen Elizabeth II and many dignitaries. The plans call for a procession through the streets of London, with Thatcher's flag-draped coffin to be carried on a horse-drawn carriage.
The funeral’s security plans are expected to be reviewed in light of the Boston bombings.
Source: Al Arabiya; Agencies - Photo: AFP
