Some of America's biggest sports stars have paid tribute to the victims of yesterday's horrific Boston bombings, with many standing shoulder to shoulder at NBA, NHL and MLB games on Monday night to share in the country's grief.
At least three people were killed and more than 176 injured after two blasts ripped through the spectator area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious race of its kind, just before 3 p.m.
Other shaken athletes took to Twitter to send their condolences to the people of Boston, many of whom are still coming to terms with how a euphoric sporting occasion turned to unspeakable carnage in just a few seconds.
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Silence: LA Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, left, and actor Harrison Ford, right, before the Dodgers faced San Diego
Heads bowed: New York players and children bowed their heads last night before the Knicks faced the Charlotte Bobcats
Remembered: San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors had a minute's silence in Oakland, California
Monday night's NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins in the city was postponed and the league said it 'wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon.'
The NBA also cancelled the basketball match between the Boston Celtics and Indiana which was scheduled for tonight.
A minute's silence was held in sports stadiums across the United States while Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere had 'Pray for Boston' on his glove as he caught a fly ball against the Cincinnati Reds.
Meanwhile, Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps tweeted last night: 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston.'
MLB Observes moment of silence ahead of Phillies-Reds game
What a catch: Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere makes an impressive catch with his 'Pray for Boston' glove
Pray for Boston: Ben Revere's glove with a message for the people of Boston
Tribute: Baseball's St Louis Cardinals line up before facing the Pittsburgh Pirates
Magic: The NBA's Orlando Magic also observed the period of silence before their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls
Perspective: Calgary Flames held a minute's silence before facing Minnesota Wild at home
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility as reports emerged that one of the dead was eight-year-old Martin Richard. The little boy had been waiting to cheer his father, Bill, across the finish line. His mother, Denise, is undergoing brain surgery while his little sister, Jane, 6, lost a leg.
At least 17 people caught up in the worst atrocity since September 11 remain in a critical condition. The injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to amputations.
Many victims suffered lower leg injuries and shrapnel wounds. Some suffered ruptured eardrums.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) April 15, 2013
The twin blasts at the race took place about 12 seconds apart, around 550 feet from each other, knocking runners and spectators off their feet, shattering windows and sending smoke rising over the street. The devices found were believed to contain ball bearings.
As the prestigious marathon was thrown into chaos, Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick has since warned residents in the city to be vigilant.
Governor Patrick said that although Boston would be 'open' it would not be 'business as usual' after the horrifying explosions and warned there will be a 'heightened security presence' in the city.
About two hours after the winners crossed the finish line in the heart of central Boston, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
The FBI said it was leading a 'potential terrorism investigation' by the city's joint terrorism taskforce into the twin explosions.
Blasts: Explosions have ripped through the spectator area near the finish line at the Boston Marathon
Horror: Police officers with their guns drawn hear the second explosion down the street. The first explosion knocked down a runner at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon
In a televised address, US President Barack Obama said those responsible will 'feel the full weight of justice'.
Speaking from the White House, he paid tribute to those who helped wounded runners and spectators, saying: 'The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight, and Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.
'We don't yet have all the answers but we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.'
Mr Obama added: 'We still do not know who did this, or why. And people shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.
'But, make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this, we will find out why they did this.
'Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice.'
At least three people were killed and more than 176 injured after two blasts ripped through the spectator area near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious race of its kind, just before 3 p.m.
Other shaken athletes took to Twitter to send their condolences to the people of Boston, many of whom are still coming to terms with how a euphoric sporting occasion turned to unspeakable carnage in just a few seconds.
Scroll down for video
Silence: LA Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, left, and actor Harrison Ford, right, before the Dodgers faced San Diego
Heads bowed: New York players and children bowed their heads last night before the Knicks faced the Charlotte Bobcats
Remembered: San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors had a minute's silence in Oakland, California
Monday night's NHL game between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins in the city was postponed and the league said it 'wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon.'
The NBA also cancelled the basketball match between the Boston Celtics and Indiana which was scheduled for tonight.
A minute's silence was held in sports stadiums across the United States while Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere had 'Pray for Boston' on his glove as he caught a fly ball against the Cincinnati Reds.
Meanwhile, Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps tweeted last night: 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston.'
MLB Observes moment of silence ahead of Phillies-Reds game
What a catch: Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere makes an impressive catch with his 'Pray for Boston' glove
Pray for Boston: Ben Revere's glove with a message for the people of Boston
Tribute: Baseball's St Louis Cardinals line up before facing the Pittsburgh Pirates
Magic: The NBA's Orlando Magic also observed the period of silence before their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls
Perspective: Calgary Flames held a minute's silence before facing Minnesota Wild at home
There has been no immediate claim of responsibility as reports emerged that one of the dead was eight-year-old Martin Richard. The little boy had been waiting to cheer his father, Bill, across the finish line. His mother, Denise, is undergoing brain surgery while his little sister, Jane, 6, lost a leg.
At least 17 people caught up in the worst atrocity since September 11 remain in a critical condition. The injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to amputations.
Many victims suffered lower leg injuries and shrapnel wounds. Some suffered ruptured eardrums.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Boston— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) April 15, 2013
The twin blasts at the race took place about 12 seconds apart, around 550 feet from each other, knocking runners and spectators off their feet, shattering windows and sending smoke rising over the street. The devices found were believed to contain ball bearings.
As the prestigious marathon was thrown into chaos, Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick has since warned residents in the city to be vigilant.
Governor Patrick said that although Boston would be 'open' it would not be 'business as usual' after the horrifying explosions and warned there will be a 'heightened security presence' in the city.
About two hours after the winners crossed the finish line in the heart of central Boston, there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the photo bridge that marks the line. Another explosion could be heard a few seconds later.
The FBI said it was leading a 'potential terrorism investigation' by the city's joint terrorism taskforce into the twin explosions.
Blasts: Explosions have ripped through the spectator area near the finish line at the Boston Marathon
Horror: Police officers with their guns drawn hear the second explosion down the street. The first explosion knocked down a runner at the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon
In a televised address, US President Barack Obama said those responsible will 'feel the full weight of justice'.
Speaking from the White House, he paid tribute to those who helped wounded runners and spectators, saying: 'The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight, and Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.
'We don't yet have all the answers but we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.'
Mr Obama added: 'We still do not know who did this, or why. And people shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.
'But, make no mistake, we will get to the bottom of this, and we will find out who did this, we will find out why they did this.
'Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice.'