Dzhokhar Anzorovich Tsarnaev, an American terrorist of Chechen and Avar descent, is infamous for his role in the Boston Marathon bombing. On April 15, 2013, Tsarnaev and his older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, set off pressure cooker bombs near the marathon’s finish line. The attack resulted in three deaths and injuries to 264 others. Following this tragic event, the Tsarnaev brothers engaged in further violence, including the murder of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier.
The Attack and Aftermath
On April 18, 2013, just days after the bombing, the Tsarnaev brothers murdered Officer Sean Collier. During a subsequent police shootout, Dzhokhar was injured and Tamerlan died. The chaos continued as a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Police officer was critically injured. A massive manhunt ensued, and Dzhokhar was eventually found hiding in a boat in Watertown, Massachusetts. He was shot and subsequently taken into custody.
During his interrogation, Dzhokhar revealed plans to detonate additional explosives in New York City’s Times Square, indicating the broader scope of their terror plot. He cited inspiration from Anwar al-Awlaki, a well-known extremist cleric.
Trial and Conviction
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev faced trial for his crimes and was convicted on 30 counts. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was vacated on appeal in July 2020. However, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in March 2022. As of 2024, Tsarnaev remains on death row at a federal supermax prison in Colorado.
Early Life and Family Background
Dzhokhar Anzorovich Tsarnaev was born on July 22, 1993, to Anzor Tsarnaev, a Chechen, and Zubeidat Tsarnaeva, an Avar. His family had been displaced from Chechnya to Kyrgyzstan by the Soviet Union.
Anzor and Zubeidat married in 1986 in the Kalmyk Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, and Tamerlan was born the next day. Dzhokhar’s birthplace is disputed, either Kyrgyzstan or Dagestan, Russia. The Tsarnaevs, raising their children as Muslims, moved frequently across Central Asia before seeking asylum in the United States in 2002.
Upon arriving in the U.S., the family settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they lived in a state of constant transition. Anzor worked as a backyard mechanic, and Zubeidat as a cosmetologist. The family relied on welfare benefits, and Dzhokhar eventually became a U.S. citizen while in college. His older brother Tamerlan faced delays in his citizenship process due to an ongoing investigation.
Educational Journey
Dzhokhar attended Cambridgeport Elementary School, Cambridge Community Charter School’s middle school program, and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where he was a standout wrestler. He occasionally worked as a lifeguard at Harvard University and developed an interest in Chechen history.
He enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2011, initially majoring in marine biology before switching to nursing. Despite his academic struggles, he was described as a normal, sociable individual by his peers. However, he also showed signs of radicalization, posting links to Islamic websites and videos of Syrian civil war fighters on social media.
The Boston Marathon Bombing
The Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, marked a significant escalation in Tsarnaev’s radicalization. The brothers planted bombs that killed three spectators and injured hundreds more. Despite the gravity of his actions, Dzhokhar returned to his university routine, attending the gym and socializing with friends. It wasn’t until April 18, when the FBI released images of the suspects, that the Tsarnaev brothers’ identities became known.
Manhunt and Capture
Following the release of their images, the Tsarnaev brothers armed themselves with improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and a semiautomatic handgun. They ambushed and killed Officer Sean Collier at MIT, carjacked an SUV, and engaged in a shootout with police in Watertown. During the confrontation, Dzhokhar ran over his brother Tamerlan while fleeing. A massive manhunt ensued, leading to Dzhokhar’s capture on April 19, 2013, after he was found hiding in a boat.
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s Current Status
As of 2024, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is incarcerated on death row at the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado, known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies.” This supermax prison houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the U.S., providing the highest level of security. Tsarnaev’s death sentence remains a subject of legal proceedings, with ongoing appeals and challenges.
In conclusion, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombing, remains on death row in a federal supermax prison. His life, marked by radicalization and violence, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism. The legal battles surrounding his death sentence continue, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of his case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Boston Bomber now?
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is currently on death row at the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado.
What motivated the Boston Marathon bombing?
Tsarnaev and his brother Tamerlan were inspired by extremist ideologies, particularly those propagated by Anwar al-Awlaki. They aimed to retaliate against U.S. actions in Muslim countries.
What was Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s early life like?
Born into a displaced Chechen family, Dzhokhar’s early life was marked by frequent relocations across Central Asia before seeking asylum in the U.S. in 2002. He grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and became a U.S. citizen while in college.
How did Dzhokhar Tsarnaev fare academically?
Tsarnaev struggled academically at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, maintaining a low GPA and failing several courses. He also had an unpaid bill of $20,000 to the university.
What happened to Tamerlan Tsarnaev?
Tamerlan Tsarnaev died during a shootout with police in Watertown, Massachusetts, on April 19, 2013. He was shot multiple times and subsequently run over by Dzhokhar as he attempted to escape in a stolen SUV.