The deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon may have occurred hundreds of miles away, but the tragedy still hits home for many New Jersey residents.

Several people have compared their anger today to how they felt following the World Trade Center attacks in 2001.

Runners react near Kenmore Square after two bombs exploded during the 117th Boston Marathon
Runners react near Kenmore Square after two bombs exploded during the 117th Boston Marathon (Alex Trautwig, Getty Images)
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"I'm really said for my kids because their innocence is gone," said Pam Schertzer of Marlboro. "They don't know a world without being scared."

Monday's tragedy has also put Garden Staters on high alert, serving as a reminder that evil still exists. One woman said she was nervous driving to Walmart today because she knows the worst can happen at any moment.

"There's also a part of me that comforts me knowing that no matter what they do, there's so many more good people in the world than these lousy scumbags," added a Manalapan man.

No one has taken responsibility yet for the marathon attack.

Rich Limbach of Monroe, a war veteran, said the marathon bombings reminded him of Vietnam.

"A lot of times, they would set an explosion off, and then a few seconds later after other people gathered around, they'd have a second explosion so they'd take more lives," he explained.

One of the casualties was an 8-year-old boy, killed by the second blast while running away from the first.

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