The Federal Bureau of Investigation is considering the Boston marathon bombing as an “act of terrorism,” President Barack Obama confirmed Tuesday morning in his second statement to the press since the attack Monday afternoon.
“Given what we now know about the attacks, the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism,” Obama said, using the emotionally-charged word “terrorism” for the first time himself.
Delivering what he said was the latest intelligence on the bombing, Obama said he did not yet know who was responsible for killing at least three and wounding more than 100 with explosive devices placed near the finish line yesterday.
“This was a heinous and cowardly act,” Obama said. “We don’t yet know is who carried this out or why, whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization foreign or domestic, or was the act of a malevolent individual.”
“We will find whoever harmed our citizens and we will bring them to justice,” he added.
Obama recounted reports of heroism following the race — runners who donated blood after the marathon first responders who instinctively ran to the blast scene, doctors who rushed to hospitals to care for the wounded.
“If you want to know who we are, who America is, how we respond to evil — that’s it,” Obama said. “Selflessly, compassionately, unafraid.”
Obama pledged to keep the public informed on the investigation, pledging that administration officials will brief reporters and the public as more information becomes available.
“When we have more details they will be disclosed,” he said. “We will make sure to keep you and the American people posted.”