Ban calls Boston marathon bombing ‘senseless, appalling’ act

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned the bombing at the Boston Marathon, calling “this senseless violence… 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.”

Speaking at a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York commemorating the 19th anniversary of the Rwanda genocide, Mr. Ban said that although reports on the incident were still coming in, it was already known that there are dead and wounded.

“As more details emerge I am sure we will return to this with a more formal statement,” he added, expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing those wounded a speedy recovery. “But for now I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with everyone in Boston.”