New York, NY, April 15, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed shock and horror at today’s terrorist attack during the Boston Marathon, which reportedly killed three, injured more than 130 people and may have involved two explosive devices near the finish line.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
Like all Americans, we were deeply shocked by the apparent bombing of the Boston Marathon. It is sad that anytime a bomb explodes in public place we are conditioned as a first reflex to think of it as a terrorist attack; but unfortunately, in this instance it appears that our fears have been realized.
This apparent terrorist attack comes during a week when we are already on heightened alert because of the history of extremist-related events that have taken place during the week of April 20th, including the Oklahoma City bombing and the federal raid of the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas. While we do not yet know who was responsible for the attack, it is clear that someone intentionally chose the marathon in an effort to inflict mass casualties, and the investigation should look into whether whoever carried out the attack was motivated by extremist views.
As we always do in the run up to the week of April 20, which also coincides with Hitler’s birthday, a date widely celebrated by extremists, ADL issued a security alert to Jewish community institutions reminding them to be on high alert during this time of year.