Clark on the Boston Marathon terror attack

As the nation mourns the Boston terror attack, I wanted to share my perspective on the tragedy.

We now know that this attack involved improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were made of six-liter pressure cookers filled with ball bearings and nails. The IEDs were then placed in black duffel bags.

This attack was designed to cause as much physical injury as possible. Authorities are now looking for clues by reviewing cameras in the area that belonged to private businesses. Detectives are analyzing some films frame by frame to figure out a possible suspect.

In Boston, there was no increase in what the intelligence community calls “chatter” prior to the attack. That makes the work of the FBI more difficult.

I can tell you the purpose of terror is to use violence to create fear. Yet I can also tell you any terrorist attack changes nothing in me. I will continue to fly as I always do. I would not change that. I go to sports events, I run in races. I participate in activities where I could be part of a soft target.

And come next year’s Boston Marathon, people will proudly participate, spectators will watch and the police presence will be enormous, of course.

We will get through this.