‘No More Hurting People. Peace’
Of all the reactions to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s conviction Wednesday, the most moving used the words of his youngest victim.
Bombing survivor Jacqui Webb took to Instagram to post words on a sign once held by 8-year-old Martin Richard as part of a class project on non-violent protest. His teacher said he was inspired by the death of Trayvon Martin.
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The image was one of many tributes to the victims and other responses to Tsarnaev’s conviction on all 30 charges. Here are a few of them, including a statement from the family of slain MIT police officer Sean Collier:
“Sean Collier gave his life doing what he was born to do – serving and protecting all of us as a police officer. Sean was more than a police officer to us, though. He was a caring, fun, loyal, and protective brother and son. While today’s verdict can never bring Sean back, we are thankful that [Dzhokhar] Tsarnaev will be held accountable for the evil that he brought to so many families. We want to thank the jury for their service and for rendering this just verdict. We want to thank the FBI and United States Attorney Carmen Ortiz and her team for their unflinching commitment to seeking justice in this case. We want to thank the many members of law enforcement for the bravery that they showed not only in response to this horrific crime, but that they show every single day. We want to thank the people of Boston and across the country for their outpouring of support. Finally, we want to say how much we care for the victims and survivors of this senseless tragedy and their families. The strength and bond that everyone has shown during these last two years proves that if these terrorists thought that they would somehow strike fear in the hearts of people, they monumentally failed. We know Sean would be very proud of that.
We ask that members of the media respect our privacy at this time.’’
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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh released the following statement:
“I am thankful that this phase of the trial has come to an end and am hopeful for a swift sentencing process. I hope today’s verdict provides a small amount of closure for the survivors, families, and all impacted by the violent and tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon. The incidents of those days have forever left a mark on our City. As we remember those who lost so much, we reflect on how tragedy revealed our deepest values, and the best of who we are as a community.’’
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said he hoped the verdict will “give some peace:’’
“I am glad for the victims’ families and the survivors that this phase of the judicial process has come to a close. Today’s verdict will hopefully give some peace to those affected by the horrific acts of the Defendant. On behalf of the Boston Police Department, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the survivors and victim’s families. With this part of the process behind us, Boston will continue to move forward with strength and resilience.’’
Governor Charlie Baker also reacted to Tsarnaev’s conviction:
“I applaud the verdict rendered today by the jury in the Marathon bombing case, and I hope this brings some degree of closure to those individuals and their families whose lives were changed forever on that horrific day.’’
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