Obama calls attack 'act of terrorism'

President Obama
President Barack Obama spoke Monday about the bombing at the Boston Marathon.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images

President Barack Obama spoke briefly this morning on the Boston attack. He has also ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff.

He called the bombings a "heinous and cowardly act" and said "the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism."

He praised the people of Boston for their response.

"If you want to know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil, that's it: selflessly, compassionately, unafraid."

Earlier today, he issued this proclamation:

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Mass., by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, April 20, 2013.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.