Stonehill discussion panel revisits the Boston Marathon Bombing

By Maddie Darmstadt

Thirteen years after the Boston Marathon Bombing, memories of the attack and the search for those responsible remain fresh in the minds of those involved in the investigation and prosecution. 

While it was a horrific event, it led to the unification of an entire city.

Close to 80 students and professors attended Professor Laura Kaplan’s Terrorism and Criminal Justice class on Monday, March 23, to hear from three federal officials about the Boston bombing, its investigation, and the prosecution of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

“It was the first time we had seen anything of this magnitude,” said Christina Sterling, the United States Attorney spokesperson. 

The 2013 bombing at the marathon finish line killed three people and injured 500 others. Three days later, MIT Police officer Sean Collier was shot and killed by Tsarnaev and his brother, Tamerlan. The Brothers then carjacked a car, kidnapped the driver, and forced him to drive to a gas station. The driver was able to escape, playing a pivotal role in the apprehension of Tsarnaev. 

Sterling said the media following the bombing was circulating incorrect information, photoshopped pictures, and quoting faulty sources, making it difficult for authorities to identify the terrorists.  

She said some reporters, one being John King from CNN, believed they had good sources when they didn’t. 

That was highlighted when King reported that the bomber was caught and was being arraigned in federal court. That set off a media frenzy and led to the evacuation of the building due to a bomb threat. 

Sterling said she had told King and others at CNN that his information was wrong, but he insisted his sources were correct. 

To avoid hysteria and false information circulating through the media, Sterling said to King, “Your highest source is me at the moment, I’m with the FBI.”

Sterling said this should teach all those working in the media a valuable lesson about source checking. 

She also said it was important for all law enforcement agencies involved to show a united front during the investigation, capture, and trial of Tsarnaev. 

“People are innocent until proven guilty, regardless of what you’ve just seen. You have to follow through with justice,” said Sterling, referring to the mindset necessary for all those working the case. 

U.S. Marshall Kevin Neal said there were numerous security measures leading up to and during the trial. 

“Having unifying command and relationships in place prior to an event like this is super important,” he said. 

All the panelists agreed that the integrity of the trial was the most important thing following the capture, so everyone on board was reminded to act appropriately and professionally. 

Former Federal Prosecutor Nadine Pellegrini, one of the lead prosecutors in this case, spoke passionately on the panel about the role she played in the conviction of Tsarnaev. 

Pellegrini said that the success of this case can be attributed to complete collaboration. The prosecution team worked together tirelessly to ensure Tsarnaev would be found guilty, she said. 

“He had set an example for terrorists around the world, and they want to follow that standard,” said Pellegrini. 

As a result, it was important to make sure he was convicted.

She said these statements to explain why justice was served by the conviction and as a warning about why it is important for Tsarnaev to remain in prison for the rest of his life.