Bombing Suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Condition Critical; Brothers Classified as 'Radicalized Jihadists'
Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev remained in critical condition Monday as charges against the 19-year-old began to unfold. Tsarnaev revealed that he worked alone with his brother in a religion-fueled crime that may have included additional targets. He could face the death penalty.
"How are you feeling?" asked the doctor, identified in the transcript as Dr. Odom, as legal proceedings began on Monday, according to The New York Times. "Are you able to answer some questions?" He nodded.
Tsarnaev managed to utter the word "no" once on Monday during a bedside hearing; he was charged with conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction resulting in death, as well as one count of malicious destruction of property by means of an explosive device resulting in death. However, most of the contact that Tsarnaev has made with investigators continues to be through notes. He is still suffering from multiple wounds obtained from his capture last week, including a gunshot wound to his throat, which has impaired his ability to speak.
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During questioning, investigators concluded the brothers could be classified as "radicalized jihadists," according to CNN. The 19-year-old confessed that outside organizations were not involved in the attack but that it was masterminded by his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, who was killed in an incident with police. Tamerlan's "motivation stemmed from jihadist thought and the idea that Islam is under attack, and jihadists need to fight back," a source told CNN Monday.
"Investigators are going into Tsarnaev's room every few hours to ask questions in the presence of doctors, " as they attempt to confirm that no others were involved in the attack, a source told CNN in a Tuesday report. Tsarnaev has stated that no others were involved and that he is not unaware of any additional plots. He was ruled competent by a judge at the end of the proceedings.
"At this time, at the conclusion of the initial appearance, I find that the defendant is alert, mentally competent, and lucid. He is aware of the nature of the proceedings," Judge Bowler said.
If convicted, Tsarnaev could face the death penalty or life in prison.
