Nearly 800 National Guard troops are on state active duty, providing support to federal and local authorities in the wake of the deadly Boston Marathon bombings.
The Massachusetts National Guard reports more than 780 troops were still on state active duty as of this morning, down from upwards of 1,000 in the immediate aftermath of the attack.
Air Force Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, said of the tragedy in his home state:
โOur thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families that have been affected by this tragedy. The National Guard can be relied upon for our diverse emergency response and rapid deployment capabilities during times of need in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."
Killed in the twin bombings were 8-year-old Martin Richard, 29-year-old restaurant manager Krystle Campbell, and an unnamed Chinese citizen who attended Boston University. The Wall Street Journal reports more than 175 people suffered injuries in the attacks.
