Reactions to the Boston Marathon Blasts: Who said what so far

The explosions at the finish line of the Boston marathon have so far killed three people and injured 144. There is stil no word on who carried out the attack, or why it has been carried out. However as per the latest information, three people have been killed while over 144 have been injured.

This is a collection of how people have responded to the tragedy so far:

US President Barack Obama

“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.”

“On days like this, there are no Republicans or Democrats, we are Americans united in our concern for our fellow citizens.”

“People shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.”

Eye witness account

“There was one very large explosion probably maybe 100 yards from where I was standing,’’ said Neil Gottlieb, a 44-year-old from Philadelphia to the Boston Globe.

“It almost lifted us all off our feet. There was no mystery as to what had just happened. Then, maybe, within two seconds later there was another explosion, it didn’t seem quite as big, but there was clearly there as a mushroom-type cloud.

“There was no question that some sort of bomb or something went off there," Gottlieb, who participated in the marathon, said. (Read the whole account here )

Muslim Public Affairs Council, US

“This is a horrible crime, and we call on all of us as Americans to work together to bring those responsible to justice. To attack people on what is supposed to be a day of jubilation is criminal and inexcusable”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations

“American Muslims, like Americans of all backgrounds, condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s cowardly bomb attack on participants and spectators of the Boston Marathon”. “We urge people of all faiths to pray for the victims and their loved ones and for the speedy recovery of those injured.

We also call for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators,” he said.

Boston Athletics Association

“The Boston Athletic Association extends its deepest sympathies to all those who were affected in any way by today’s events. Today is a sad day for the City of Boston, for the running community, and for all those who were here to enjoy the 117th running of the Boston Marathon.

What was intended to be a day of joy and celebration quickly became a day in which running a marathon was of little importance. We can confirm that all of the remaining runners who were out on the course when the tragic events unfolded have been returned to a community meeting area.

At this time, we are cooperating with the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and all federal law enforcement officials. We would like to thank the countless people from around the world who have reached out to support us today.”