Dear Malden Residents,
Like the
horrific events of 9/11, I will never forget where I was when I first learned about
the explosions at the Boston Marathon. I received a text from Police Chief
Kevin Molis asking that I call him regarding some disturbing news coming out of
Boston. I couldn’t immediately respond as I was with my niece, nephew, and his
friend at the movies. The next text from Kevin indicated what had transpired and
I stared in utter disbelief.
My first
instincts were the same as Chief Molis’s which was to offer whatever resources
we had available to help in the response efforts of the City of Boston. We also
increased security in and around the T station especially since the MBTA was shorthanded
due to the unfolding events on Boylston Street. We also reached out to Imam
Hamid Bourote of our local mosque to let him know that we would have a presence
in the downtown where his organization is located. The fear was that some may
rush to judgment and conclude that the bombings emanated from the Middle East.
Unfortunately,
my hunch was right as a few days later an individual physically assaulted a
Malden Middle Eastern woman and her child. I was relieved to learn that neither
one was seriously injured, but I was also outraged that this happened in our
community which is known for its hospitality of different cultures from around
the world. Police Chief Kevin Molis and members of his department responded
quickly and are continuing with the investigation to find who was responsible
for this heinous act.
There is
little doubt that these are trying times for all of us. My thoughts and prayers
are with the victims and all those affected by the senseless tragedy at the
Marathon. But I know our community and our sister city Boston like I think I
do, I know that we will rise up and overcome the horrendous actions of a few.
Sincerely,
GARY CHRISTENSON
City of Malden, Mayor
