Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors React to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Guilty Verdict
Published at(BOSTON) — A number of Boston Marathon bombing survivors turned to social media to share their emotional reactions to the jury’s decision that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is guilty of all 30 counts relating to the 2013 attack.
Survivors who lost limbs and relatives of the three spectators who died in the bombing were a constant presence at Tsarnaev’s trial, a handful of whom took the stand during the prosecution’s case.
The verdict reached by the jury Wednesday does not put an end to the trial, as the second phase — the penalty phase — will determine whether Tsarnaev will be put to death. The penalty phase will begin “early next week,” the judge said.
Here are a selection of survivors’ reactions:
Jeff Bauman, a survivor who lost both of his legs, posted a statement on his Facebook page:
“Today’s verdict will never replace the lives that were lost and so dramatically changed, but it is a relief, and one step closer to closure.”
Sydney Corcoran suffered a leg injury and her mother Celeste lost both of her legs in the blast:
GUILTY LIKE WE ALL KNEW HE WOULD BE. Great jurors.
— Sydney Corcoran (@Sydney23Lynne) April 8, 2015
Today, my blood runs blue and yellow. #BostonStrong
— Sydney Corcoran (@Sydney23Lynne) April 8, 2015
Heather Abbott, a survivor who lost her leg, posted on her foundation’s Facebook page:
“Thanks to everyone who reached out today and have continued to support me and the other Bombing victims and their families over the last 2 years. Nothing can ever replace the lives that were lost or changed forever, but at least there is some relief in knowing that justice is served and responsibility will be taken.”
MIT Police Officer Sean Collier was the Tsarnaev brothers’ fourth victim, and his family put out a statement:
“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,” the statement reads.
“He was a caring, fun, loyal, and protective brother and son,” the family added. “While today’s verdict can never bring Sean back, we are thankful that Dzhokar 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.”
Richard Donohue, an MBTA transit police officer who was shot during a shootout with the brothers, paid tribute to his fellow law enforcement officer:
Accused –> Convicted. Across the board.
— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) April 8, 2015
First, I want to thank everyone for supporting me and my family over the last two years. Although we cannot change the past, including (1/3)
— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) April 8, 2015
the loss of a friend and fellow police officer, justice has been served today. We have again shown, as a society, that terrorism will (2/3)
— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) April 8, 2015
not prevail, and we will hold those accountable for their acts against our nation. God Bless America. (3/3)
— Dic Donohue (@DicDonohue) April 8, 2015
Donohue’s wife Kim also weighed in:
GUILTY ALL COUNTS! THANK YOU to all those Jurors. I hope they get proper counseling after all the horrible images+videos they had to endure
— Kim Donohue (@KimDonohue0) April 8, 2015
Mayor Martin Walsh said in a statement that he is “thankful” that the first phase of the trial is over and is “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,” the statement read.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker also issued a statement, praising the jurors:
“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.”
U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, the prosecutor in the case, also released a statement Wednesday thanking the jury and others involved in the trial:
“We are gratified by the jury’s verdict and thank everyone who played a role in the trial for their hard work. As we enter this next phase, we are focused on the work that remains to be done. Because the trial is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this time.”
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