Boston Marathon Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Apologizes to Victims for the First Time

Tragic incident took place on April 15, 2013

By Lily Harrison Jun 24, 2015 7:13 PMTags
Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar TsarnaevAP Photo/Jane Flavell Collins

Convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev broke his silence today in court and apologized to both the victims and survivors of the 2013 attack.

"I am sorry for the lives that I've taken, for the suffering that I've caused you, and the damage that I've done," he said during his sentencing hearing.

"I pray to Allah to bestow his mercy on you. I pray for your relief, for your healing, for you well-being, for your health. I ask Allah for mercy for me and for my brother."

AP Photo/Margaret Small

He also thanked his lawyers and those who defended him on the witness stand throughout the highly publicized trial, and concluded by saying, "I am guilty of [the bombings], along with my brother, if there is any lingering doubt."

Tsarnaev's comments in court today mark the first time that the 19-year-old has spoken publicly about the bombing that killed three people and wounded 264 others during the Boston Marathon.

He was found guilty on April 8, and a little more than one month later, on May 15, sentenced to death.

Judge George O'Toole responded to Tsarnaev shortly after imposing the death sentence, saying, "Whenever your name is mentioned, all that will be remembered is the evil you have done."

As of now, Tsarnaev will be taken to Terre Haute located in Indiana where he will be placed on the federal government's death row.