WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama spoke to the nation tonight and said he and first lady Michelle Obama offered their thoughts and prayers to the people of Boston.
He said he has directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people.
All Americans stand with the people of Boston, Obama said.
"We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this, will find out why they did this," Obama said during the address. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
The president said he will increase security around the nation as necessary. He did not take questions from the press.
Earlier coverage:
UPDATE: Obama to Make Statement on Boston Explosions at 6:10 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama will issue a statement on the explosions at the Boston Marathon in televised remarks to the nation from the White House.
Obama was briefed on Monday's explosions by FBI Director Robert Mueller and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The White House said the president also spoke with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino and pledged to provide whatever federal support was needed in responding to the incident.
Obama has been monitoring the situation in Boston since news of the explosions first broke.
Earlier coverage:
Obama Calls Massachusetts Officials After Explosions
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama has called Boston's mayor and the Massachusetts governor to express his concern for those injured in the Boston Marathon explosions.
Obama also told Mayor Tom Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick that his administration would provide whatever support was needed in responding to the incident, the White House said.
The president was briefed on the explosions by Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco shortly after 3p.m. EDT.
Vice President Joe Biden was on a conference call with gun control activists when staffers turned on televisions in his office Monday to view coverage of the explosions.
"Apparently there has been a bombing," Biden said. "I don't know any of the details of what caused it, who did it. I don't think it exists yet. But our prayers are with those people in Boston who suffered injury."
Shortly after the explosions, Secret Service shut down Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House, cordoning off the area with yellow police tape. Several Secret Service patrol cars also blocked off the entry points to the road.
The White House was not on lockdown and tourists and other onlookers were still able to be in the park across the street from the executive mansion.
He said he has directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people.
All Americans stand with the people of Boston, Obama said.
"We will get to the bottom of this. We will find out who did this, will find out why they did this," Obama said during the address. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice."
The president said he will increase security around the nation as necessary. He did not take questions from the press.
Earlier coverage:
UPDATE: Obama to Make Statement on Boston Explosions at 6:10 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama will issue a statement on the explosions at the Boston Marathon in televised remarks to the nation from the White House.
Obama was briefed on Monday's explosions by FBI Director Robert Mueller and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The White House said the president also spoke with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino and pledged to provide whatever federal support was needed in responding to the incident.
Obama has been monitoring the situation in Boston since news of the explosions first broke.
- Watch the President's statement live on ABC 22 News or online here.
Earlier coverage:
Obama Calls Massachusetts Officials After Explosions
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama has called Boston's mayor and the Massachusetts governor to express his concern for those injured in the Boston Marathon explosions.
Obama also told Mayor Tom Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick that his administration would provide whatever support was needed in responding to the incident, the White House said.
The president was briefed on the explosions by Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco shortly after 3p.m. EDT.
Vice President Joe Biden was on a conference call with gun control activists when staffers turned on televisions in his office Monday to view coverage of the explosions.
"Apparently there has been a bombing," Biden said. "I don't know any of the details of what caused it, who did it. I don't think it exists yet. But our prayers are with those people in Boston who suffered injury."
Shortly after the explosions, Secret Service shut down Pennsylvania Avenue outside the White House, cordoning off the area with yellow police tape. Several Secret Service patrol cars also blocked off the entry points to the road.
The White House was not on lockdown and tourists and other onlookers were still able to be in the park across the street from the executive mansion.