Vice President Joe Biden was the first national political leader to react to the apparent terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon today. Biden was on a conference call with gun control activists when the first reports of the bomb blasts in Boston came in.

“Apparently there has been a bombing,” Biden said. “I don’t know any of the details of what caused it, who did it. I don’t think it exists yet. But our prayers are with those people in Boston who suffered injury.”

Reuters reports that President Barack Obama directed the administration to aid Boston authorities in investigating the cause of the bombings which slammed the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

“His administration is in contact with state and local authorities. He directed his administration to provide whatever assistance is necessary in the investigation and response,” a White House official said.

Rep Darrell Issa, (R-Calif.) requested a moment of silence on the floor of the House of Representatives in respect for the victims of the bombing. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick responded to the tragedy shortly after the bombings.

“This is a horrific day in Boston. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been injured,” Patrick said. “I have been in touch with the President, Mayor Menino and our public safety leaders. Our focus is on making sure that the area around Copley Square is safe and secured. I am asking everyone to stay away from Copley Square and let the first responders do their jobs.”

Boston Mayor Tom Menino said there was no specific intelligence that anything was going to happen. Menino said reports that a suspect was in custody are incorrect and there is no one in custody at this time. He said there is a heavy police presence at all hospitals, area hotels and other public areas and no one should read anything into that.