Capuano's Address to U.S. House Before Moment of Silence

U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano, a former mayor of Somerville who currently represents much of the Boston area, briefly addressed the House of Representatives Monday evening to talk about the explosions that struck the Boston Marathon earlier in the day.

Shortly before 7 p.m., Capuano spoke to a crowded House floor before the legislative body marked the moment of silence.

His comments were broadcast on WHDH. Here's what he said:

"It was a terrible tragedy, and no matter how you measure it, I don't know if it was official terrorism or unofficial terrorism or whatever, but clearly anyone to act in such a manner is clearly an evil person and deserves to be called as such.

I know that today the rest of America stands with us as we have stood with those before us, hopefully to never do again, but I also know that the people of Boston and the people of Massachusetts—and by the way, this event was not just a Boston event, the Boston Marathon is an international event that draws people from around the world. I would be shocked if some of the people injured today were not from Massachusetts; they were probably from other states, possibly, probably from other countries.

Today in Massachusetts it is a holiday. It's a state holiday called Patriots Day. It's a day when we celebrate the actions of our patriots back in 1776 that started the Revolution that brought to birth this country. We remind ourselves regularly what it means to be a patriot, what it is to be a member of a society that cares for each other.

I know members of this House will join me in wishing well all those people who are injured and sending our deepest condolences and sympathies to those people who were hurt and wishing well our men and women of law enforcement.

I have absolutely full faith and confidence that they will find the people who have done this and bring them to justice so we can all rest a little easier at some point.

Thank you Mr. Speaker."