Hassan Sends Prayers to Texas Explosion, Marathon Victims

During a 30-minute address on her proposed state budget Thursday, New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan kicked off her speech by sending well wishes to the victims of both the Wednesday Texas fertilizer plant explosion and Monday Boston Marathon bombing.

While the fertilizer plant death toll is still unclear in West, Texas, a CNN report late Thursday night indicated that as many as 35 have been killed, a toll that could spike to 60 or 70 people with an additional 160-plus injured.

"I want us all to be thinking and praying for the people in Texas this morning," said Hassan to a crowd of over 100 at the Castleton Banquet and Conference Center.

Later speaking to Monday's pair of bombings in Boston, she called the attack an "incredible act of cowardice and terror."

"I know we are all shaken and our hearts remain heavy today," she said. "We send our thoughts and our prayers to the victims of these horrific bombings as well as to their families and their loved ones and to everyone in the region who has been impact."

Hassan was the keynote speaker for the annual Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Breakfast and Pillar Awards. Three local businesses and one non-profit were recognized with awards during the event.