A jury in Boston has voted to sentence Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to death for his role in the deadly attack, rejecting defense argument that he was not as culpable as his older brother.
Tsarnaev showed no visible reaction to the sentence when it was announced at about 3:30 p.m.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in a statement, "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."
Survivors of the bombings took to social media to share their reaction and officials issued the following statements:
In my personal opinion, Though I am against the death penalty justice was served today," wrote Andrew Collier, brother of slain MIT Police officer Sean Collier, in a statement. "For or against death, a jury of 12 men and women, who have seen and heard more evidence and testimony then anyone outside that courtroom, got together and all agreed with this verdict. These men and women deserve praise along with the judge, prosecutors, defense and court staff. They made our system work. The system Sean set out to protect and honor and that makes me proud ... My heart continues to go out to all the victims, their family and friends and all that hold them up like my siblings, parents and wife do for me ... It is National Peace Officers day. Thank a cop. Buy him or her dinner. Tell them to be safe. Let it keep things in prospective for you. I do that today in Sean's honor. Sean I love and miss you every day."
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"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," said U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lync. "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."
"Tsarnaev is an unrepentant terrorist held to account by a justice system that provides due process of law even to those who commit the most horrific offenses. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected, and hope the conclusion of this trial provides an important measure of justice to those still healing," said U.S. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin.
"I think every time somebody runs the marathon, it will be impossible for this to be too far from their minds. The marathon has certainly changed forever ... and that by definition, I suppose, changes Boston," said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.
