U.S. Attorney General: ‘The ultimate penalty is a fitting punishment for this horrific crime’
Though Dzhokhar Tsarnaev showed no emotion as he was sentenced to death for the Boston Marathon bombings, law enforcement and other officials were quick to react to the news.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch:
“Dzhokhar Tsarnaev coldly and callously perpetrated a terrorist attack that injured hundreds of Americans and ultimately took the lives of three individuals: Krystle Marie Campbell, a 29-year-old native of Medford; Lingzi Lu, a 23-year-old Boston University graduate student from China; and Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy from Dorchester who was watching the marathon with his family just a few feet from the second bomb. In the aftermath of the attack, Tsarnaev and his brother murdered Sean Collier, a 27-year-old patrol officer on the MIT campus, extinguishing a life dedicated to family and service.
We know all too well that no verdict can heal the souls of those who lost loved ones, nor the minds and bodies of those who suffered life-changing injuries from this cowardly attack. But the ultimate penalty is a fitting punishment for this horrific crime and we hope that the completion of this prosecution will bring some measure of closure to the victims and their families. We thank the jurors for their service, the people of Boston for their vigilance, resilience and support and the law enforcement community in Boston and throughout the country for their important work.’’
Mayor Marty Walsh:
“I want to thank the jurors and the judiciary for their service to our community and our country. I hope this verdict provides a small amount of closure to the survivors, families, and all impacted by the violent and tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon. We will forever remember and honor those who lost their lives and were affected by those senseless acts of violence on our City. Today, more than ever, we know that Boston is a City of hope, strength and resilience, that can overcome any challenge.’’
Governor Charlie Baker made a statement on Twitter:
“Thanks to the jury. I especially want to thank all the families for their fortitude & persistence in seeing their way through this. At this point in time, I hope this represents some kind of closure for all of those who were affected by this tragedy. I have been & continue to be impressed by the ability of the people of this community to pull together around this & to look forward. “
Former governor Deval Patrick said, “Now that the jury has spoken, I hope the survivors and their families will be able to look ahead and find comfort and healing in the strength of this community. Diane and I are thinking of them.’’
The Boston Fire Department:
[fragment number=0]
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans:
“It is my sincere hope that today’s verdict will bring with it a significant level of comfort and solace to all hurt, harmed and impacted by the attack on our Boston Marathon back in April of 2013. While no decision will fully erase or help us completely forget the horror and pain suffered by so many on that fateful day twenty five months ago, it is our hope that each passing day will bring with it a level of closure. The job of a juror is never an easy one especially in a case of this magnitude but those who served on this jury should know that the men and women of the Boston Police Department not only appreciate the time and efforts that went into today’s decision but we also support the decision made. Regardless of how you feel about the death penalty, today was also about sending a message. And, the message sent is one that says terrorism in our city will not be tolerated. In closing, our thoughts and prayers remain with families of Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu and MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.’’
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey:
“Our thoughts are with the survivors and victims of this senseless act of terror. I want to thank the jurors for their service to our Commonwealth and our country. What is clear is that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev tried to strike fear in the heart of a city, and failed miserably. While this trial may be completed, we will never forget those that we lost and the strength and resilience that our community showed in the face of such evil.’’
Watertown Police:
“The members of the Watertown Police Department are pleased the jury has made a decision in the sentencing of the convicted marathon bomber. We understand the complexities of this decision and how difficult it has been for them to reach this final conclusion. The efforts and commitment of the jurors over the past four months are appreciated and we respect the outcome of their decision.
The Watertown Police Department would also like to commend the hard work and determination of the prosecution team. We have witnessed first-hand the incredible amount of work, both in and out of the courtroom, they have endured preparing and presenting this case. We appreciate all their efforts and dedication.
At this time the Watertown Police Department would also like to remember the victims, survivors and families of those affected by the events of this terrible tragedy. They will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.’’
MIT Police Chief John DiFava:
“On behalf of the entire MIT Police Department, I would first like to offer my continued sympathy and support to the victims and their families. While the horror [they] have endured can never be undone, I hope that the conclusion of the trial and the subsequent verdict can offer some kind of closure, no matter how small.
I would also like to [extend] my deepest thanks and appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office and the prosecution team; the FBI and supporting law enforcement agencies, and the men and women of the jury who were confronted with an extremely difficult decision and performed admirably.
We respect the judicial system in the United States and its well defined process. No verdict could erase the horrible tragedies that have occurred, and we respect the decision of the jury.’’
Massachusetts State Police Colonel Timothy P. Alben:
“On behalf of the Massachusetts State Police I want to extend our thanks and deepest respect to the members of the jury in the Tsarnaev Case. For months, these men and women placed their lives on hold for the greater good of our community. They listened intently to the testimony, carefully evaluated the evidence and were committed to the immense responsibility of thoughtful and intensive deliberation. Today, the jury has spoken with a verdict to enact the death penalty. As with the guilty verdict several weeks ago, the collective thoughts of this department remain not with the defendant and the path he chose that resulted in today’s verdict, but for the victims of his actions, their families and this greater community.’’
Speaker Bob DeLeo:
[fragment number=1]
Survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing.
[bdc-gallery id=”330323″]
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com