Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick issued the following statement in the wake of the bombings at the Boston Marathon which have killed at least two people:

“This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured. I have been in touch with the president, [Boston] Mayor [Thomas] Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”