Celebrities like Bieber, Affleck and DeGeneres send their prayers, while the likes of William Shatner condemn the incident and Emmy Rossum urges people to donate blood.
- Apr 16, 2013
AceShowbiz - Another tragedy rocked the United States. After mass shootings killed many innocent lives in Aurora's movie theater and Sandy Hook Elementary School, two bombs went off simultaneously in Boston Monday afternoon, April 15 just after some of the runners crossed the finish line while many others were still in the race.
The event celebrating the 117th annual race this year was held in memory of the children and teachers killed in the Sandy Hook shooting in December. One bomb went off, followed by another as 26,000 people were participating in the race and around 500,000 spectators watched the event nearby.
Hollywood celebrities quickly took to Twitter to reach out to the families affected by the devastating incident. The likes of singer Justin Bieber, actor Ben Affleck and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres flooded social media with their prayers to people in the city. President Barack Obama has also reacted to the tragedy.
Bieber tweeted hashtag "#PrayForBoston" and so did fellow young artists like Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez. As for Miley Cyrus, she wrote, "Sending peace & many blessings to Boston." Harry Styles also posted, "Just heard the news. So terribly sad. thoughts with everyone in Boston."
Affleck tweeted, "Such a senseless and tragic day. My family and I send our love to our beloved and resilient Boston." In a similar note Eva Longoria said, "God be with the injured people!" Nicki Minaj wrote, "My heart goes out to everyone who woke up this morning to enjoy a peaceful marathon but were met w/senseless destruction."
Alicia Keys was equally saddened, "Shaken... My thoughts and prayers are with the city of Boston and those affected by this tragedy." Justin Timberlake was heartbroken as well to hear such horrible news, "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the city of Boston and all of those affected by this terrible incident."
DeGeneres added, "Let's all send our thoughts, our prayers and our energy to the people injured in Boston. My heart is with you." Mia Farrow wrote, "Just located my daughter in Boston. Relieved she is fine but heartbroken for those who won't get this good news." Pink tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the explosions in Boston."
Emmy Rossum, meanwhile, urged people to donate their blood, "If you're in Boston and can donate blood, here are the locations: https://www.redcrossblood.org/MA." British media mogul Simon Cowell expressed his sympathy as well, "Watching the news. Horrendous. Please god no more bombs. Stay safe America."
Paula Abdul said, "I was shocked to hear about the horrible explosions at the Boston Marathon. I'm holding the people of Boston in my heart." Kim Kardashian also sent her prayers, "My heart is breaking for everyone effected or injured in the explosion at the Boston Marathon. God bless you all! My prayers are with you!"
Patton Oswalt wrote a longer note on Facebook, "Boston. F**king horrible. I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, 'Well, I've had it with humanity.' But I was wrong. ... I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths."
"But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet," he added. "So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.' "
William Shatner also condemned the incident, "Thoughts going out to the people of Boston. I hope whomever did this is brought to justice."
"Survivor" winner Ethan Zohn who was participating in the marathon tweeted, "I'm OK. Most importantly, praying for those injured and affected by this. Still don't have a lot of info. Thanks for your love and concern."
New Kids On The Block's Joey McIntyre was in the race as well. He he was "running for my mom's memory," revealing that she suffers from Alzheimer's. "There was an explosion by the finish line about 5 minutes after I finished," he wrote. "I'm ok but I'm sure there are many hurt."
Donnie Wahlberg responded, "Just heard that @joeymcintyre is ok! Thanks to everyone for tweeting! Scared for everyone else in Boston. #PrayerForBoston please."
President Obama said, "We still do not know who did this or why," warning people should not "jump to conclusions." He vowed, "We will find out who did this, and we will hold them accountable," adding, "Boston is a tough and resilient town, [and] so are its people" and "the American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight."
