At his sentencing hearing today, convicted Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev apologized before the judge, admitting his guilt and telling the victims' families he was sorry. Local media were quick to pick up the story. You can find a list of local sources at the bottom of this article.
According to the CNN report, Tsarnaev said,
I am sorry for the lives that I've taken, for the suffering that I've caused you, for the damage that I've done. Irreparable damage. I prayed for Allah to bestow his mercy upon the deceased, those affected in the bombing and their families. Allah says in the Quran that with every hardship there is relief. I pray for your relief, for your healing, for your well-being, for your strength.
Whether Tsarnaev's words were sincere, or more a "put on" for the judge, will certainly be debated over the coming days. Sister Helen Prejean, who visited Tsarnaev in prison, stated for the defense she believes his sorrow was genuine. However, even Judy Clarke, the defense attorney, hedged on whether Tsarnaev's sorrow was sincere, saying only she believes he has matured and may come to true remorse at some point.
It is certain Tsarnaev's words will not bring back the victims, nor will they change his sentence of death by lethal injection. Christians who have a high regard for scripture will continue to debate capital punishment. There are compelling arguments on both sides, and a simple article like this will not solve the issue to anyone's satisfaction. Paul did tell the Romans in his letter (chapter 3) that government authorities are "ordained" by God, and "bear the sword" in order to restrain evil. Whether other less lethal means than swords or injections would be better restraints today is part of the debate.
We will never know, this side of heaven, whether Tsarnaev has been changed through his experience with the justice system. We do know from scripture at least one criminal was changed at the very brink of death. Luke 23:39-43 recounts how one thief somehow discovered the truth about Jesus as he hung next to him. The unnamed criminal acknowledges his crime, and Jesus grants his request to come into the kingdom. May Tsarnaev learn the truth and find the same mercy and grace himself.
Local coverage:
WNDU: The Latest: Boston Marathon bomber formally sentenced to die
ABC57: Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev sentenced to death
Fox28: Boston Marathon bomber says he's sorry for the first time
