Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing attack in April, was arraigned in federal court today (July 10) in Boston. The 19-year-old entered a not guilty plea as 30 victims of the explosion sat inside the courtroom during the hearing. Tsarnaev faces 30 federal charges and it has been speculated that prosecutors may seek the death penalty.
In a thick accent, the Russian native repeated his plea seven times by order of US Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler. Attorney Judy Clarke was originally slated to enter the plea for her client, but Judge Bowler overrode the decision, reported the Boston Globe.
From the Globe:
Seeming indifferent to the proceedings, Tsarnaev wore an orange prison jumpsuit with the top unbuttoned, and a black T-shirt underneath. His hair was shaggy, consistent with the photos that were released at the time of the bombings.
His face appeared distorted at times as he fidgeted in his seat. He had a visible scar just below his throat, possibly the result of being shot by police and was wearing what appeared to be a cast on his left arm.
Tsarnaev became attentive when he looked toward two women sitting in the courtroom, one of whom was weeping while the other held a small child, during the seven minute hearing. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom with cuffs on his hands and feet, Tsarnaev blew a kiss towards the women.
Today’s court appearance was the first time Tsarnaev has been seen in public since his April 19 arrest while attempting to elude police. Outside the courthouse, police and demonstrators gathered in the streets with a dozen Tsarnaev supporters also in tow.
View the photos of the scene in and outside the courtroom in the following pages.
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Photos: Boston Globe Staff, Bill Greene, Pat Greenhouse, Brian Snyder, CJ Gunther, Jessica Rinaldi, FBI
