Two explosions occurred today near the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. There are at least 2 dead and 23 injured after the attacks, with victims ranging from 3-and-a-half years in age to 63 years old. The events have taken over Twitter, and details are still emerging.

President Obama addressed the nation at 6:10pm ET, focusing on the need for unity after the attacks: ”On days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats – we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens.”

Continuing on, the President thanked all first responders and government agents on behalf of the nation: “Boston police, firefighters, and first responders, as well as the National Guard responded heroically, and continue to do so as we speak…and we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.”

The President reassured the nation of the strength of Boston: “I am supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other & move forward – as one proud city.” Speaking about Patriots Day, the President later continued on the strength of Boston: “Today is a holiday in Massachusetts, Patriots Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation, and it’s a day that draws the world to Boston streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town; so are its people. I’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city and as they do, the American people will be with them every step of the way.”

Adding a note of strong finality to his speech, the President told the nation that “As we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We’ll find out who did this, and we’ll hold them accountable.”

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