Public officials said Friday that they hoped the death penalty for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev might bring closure to the families of the victims and help heal a city wounded by the Boston Marathon attack.
Here are some statements of reaction.
Mayor Marty Walsh of Boston
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.
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.
Chief John DiFava of the MIT police
Sean Collier, an MIT officer, was shot to death by the bombers.
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 thy 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 extended 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.
Watertown, Massachusetts, police
Tsarnaev was cornered in Watertown four days after the blasts.
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.
Col. Tim Alben, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police
On behalf of the Massachusetts State Police I want to extend our thanks and deepest respect to the 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.”