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Boston Marathon Explosion: The World Responds

By Chris Greenhough
Published on: 13:23 PST, Apr 15, 2013

The Boston Marathon explosions that occurred today have illicited responses from around the world.

World leaders, royalty, politicians, and famous names from the world of sports, music, and celebrity have forwarded messages offering support and sympathy. Here are just some of those responses:

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “[This] senseless violence [is] all the more appalling for taking place at an event renowned for bringing people together from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and harmony.”

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard: “Australians have awoken this morning to shocking and tragic scenes at the Boston Marathon. It will be some time before we know the full extent of what has occurred but these explosions have cast a long shadow over one of the world’s great sporting events.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron: “The scenes from Boston are shocking and horrific – my thoughts are with all those who have been affected.”

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond: “It is clear from the reports and horrific pictures from the scene that a number of people have lost their lives and many more have been injured in what can only be described as cowardly attacks on innocent people simply out enjoying the fun of a marathon on Patriots’ Day.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The tragic end to the Boston Marathon April 15 reminds us all that evil exists and that life is fragile. The deaths and injuries of people gathered for the celebration on Patriots Day in Boston calls on all of us to pray for the souls of those killed the healing of those injured and the restoration of peace for all of us unsettled by the bombings at a world renowned sporting event.”

Marathon veteran and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi: “I am always cautious, but this will definitely make runners and organisers have a different perspective.”

Numerous celebrities also sent their condolences:

Actor George Takei, writing on Facebook: “When tragedies strike, heroes rise to meet the challenge: the first responders seen sprinting toward the blast site, the runners who changed course to run to local hospitals to donate blood, and the fine citizens of Boston who at once opened their homes to marathoners in need of a place to stay. When we come together, we cannot be brought down.”

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