President Obama said on Tuesday the FBI is investigating the Boston Marathon bombings as an “act of terrorism,” but authorities don’t know who did it or why.
“This was a heinous and cowardly act,” Obama said at the White House.
Obama, who had held off using the term “terrorism” in brief remarks on Monday night, spoke after being briefed by FBI Director Robert Mueller and other law enforcement officials.
“Any time bombs are used to target civilians, it is an act of terror,” Obama said from the White House briefing room.
In addition to Mueller, the president was briefed by Attorney General Eric Holder, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and White House counter-terrorism adviser Lisa Monaco.
While vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice, Obama said authorities don’t know whether it was carried out by a group or an individual or individuals, or what the motive might have been.
“Everything else at this point is speculation,” he said.
Shortly before his remarks, Obama ordered flags at the White House and other government buildings be flown at half-staff in honour of the victims of Monday’s attack.
The flag lowering is “a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013,” Obama said in a proclamation.
Meanwhile, Leaders from around the world, especially countries wracked by violence targeting civilians, are condemning the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon, which killed three people and wounded more than 100 others.
In Vatican, Pope Francis “deeply grieved” the news of the attacks and prayed that all Bostonians “will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good.”
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lamented the “senseless violence,” saying the incident was even more appalling because it took place at an event known “for bringing people together from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and harmony.”
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned what it called the “cowardly attacks.” In a statement, the OIC said it has fought against terrorism in all its forms, and offered its condolences, prayers and support to the people of Boston.
European Union President Herman Van Rompuy condemned what he called the “appalling attacks” and expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also expressed “deep shock” at the attack and offered condolences to those affected. In a statement, he said his thoughts are with the people of Boston and all of the United States.
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