Massachusetts Congressman: 'Look at the symbols' that were attacked in Boston

Monday night on "The Rachel Maddow Show," host Rachel Maddow welcomed U.S. Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), a former District Attorney from Norfolk County, Massachusetts and current member of the House Homeland Security Committee. Keating discussed the importance of separating news from spin when investigating a crime of this nature, and said that it's important to read the bombing in terms of its symbolism.

"From a Homeland Security perspective, you look at the symbols," he said, "Because that's what terrorists try to attack, that's the targets."

The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the country, he said, with runners coming to compete from more than 100 nations. "So it's that kind of symbol that a terrorist would look at," he said. "And also, it's Tax Day. It's April 15th, and if it's a domestic terrorist that hates the government and wants to rebel, that's a symbol as well."

From a law enforcement perspective, it is important not to jump to conclusions, he said. "Being a former DA, you only know what you know. And they're sorting those things out."

Watch the video, embedded below via MSNBC:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy