President Obama Boston Marathon Bombings Speech Video: 'We Will Find' Bombers (VIDEO, PHOTO)
President Barack Obama has addressed the country on Monday after two explosions rocked the Boston Marathon 2013, in what is now being treated as a terrorist attack by the FBI.
"We still do not know who did this or why," said President Obama, as he warned people not to "jump to conclusions."
However, he made a promise to the nation: "We will find out who did this, and we will hold them accountable."
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He added, "Boston is a tough and resilient town, [and] so are its people," and that "the American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight."
Here is a full video of the president's speech addressing the Boston Marathon bombings:
The Boston Marathon bombings were confirmed as a terrorist attack Monday afternoon by the FBI. Two explosions hit near the marathon finish line at 2.50 p.m. ET, killing at least three, including an 8 year old boy, and injuring 141 others, according to latest reports.
A third "incident" at the JFK Library in Boston is at this time now believed to be unrelated to the Boston Marathon incident. Reports of a fire or explosion in the library had initially sparked fears of a third bomb, however, it now appears that incident was mechanical and fire-related, rather than an explosive device.
However, later on Monday officials seemed to confirm that as many as three other explosive devices were found near the site of the bombings, but those devices were dismantled without explosion.
The devastating scenes at the Boston Marathon have shown injured people being carried away from the scene of the explosions, which took place near the finish line of the marathon route.
Witnesses reported that two loud bangs were heard near the finish line, and video footage can be seen at the moment of the explosions with a big fireball seen coming from one of the buildings to the side of the road.
The two explosions at the marathon were heard about 12 seconds apart, with some reports describing a ball of flames coming out from the Marathon Sports store near the finish line. Another eye witness has claimed that he saw a trash can explode as the source of one of the explosions. However, officials have not confirmed anything about the devices yet.
Early video footage has shown chaotic scenes at the location, with some people being blown off their feet when the explosion took place, and massive amounts of smoke seen filling the streets where the explosions hit. Marathon officials were seen pulling at some metal railings that were twisted, collapsed and piled on the ground, seemingly to free injured people under them.
Other eye witnesses reported a bloody scene, with some victims being very seriously injured near the scenes of the explosions.
Police are being deployed to major landmarks in other large cities across the United States, including New York City, as fears of a likely terrorist attack emerge. However, the FBI has stated that is does not know who is behind the bombings at this time and they are unsure whether it is a domestic or international incident.
President Obama's speech text on the bombings can be seen 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 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 reaffirmed 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 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 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."
Here is video footage in the aftermath of the bombings:
