The Tsarnaev Family Is In The American Spotlight...again. (Written by Elizabeth Muscari, 6th Period)

      

      America’s eyes locked with Dzhokkar Tsarnaev in the early hours of April 19^th, 2013. The 19 year old Chechen student had been accused of taking part in the Boston bombings in mid-April. More recently considered “The Boston Bomber”, Tsarnaev was accused of terroristic acts plotted against the U.S. Tsarnaev used self-manufactured pressure-cooker bombs during the 2013 Boston Marathon. It was announced soon-after the Boston-based teen would remain in custody and possibly face the death penalty as soon as November 2014. Word began spreading into a provocative wildfire filled with speculation, opinion, and mixed thoughts. After his apprehension, Tsarnaev's face was printed onto almost every newspaper in America and flooded the newsstands on street corners and in businesses. 

      

      The chatter has since been muffled and Tsarnaev’s name rarely makes headlines now, although the trial is currently underway. Surprisingly America’s watch is now once again on the Boston bomber. This time, though, the American gaze is set on his sister, Alina Tsarnaev, 24. 

      

      Mr. Tsarnaev's older sister was charged with aggravated harassment after she made a bomb threat to another woman on Monday. Although Ms. Tsarnaev hasn’t specified the exact cause of the call yet her boyfriend tells sources he shares a child with the woman she threatened. Ms. Tsarnaev was said to have told the woman she "had people who could put a bomb on you". Not only was this a threat to an innocent civilian, but also a hint that there could be details of the Tsarnaev's terroristic connections authorities might need to investigate in more depth. The native Russian and current New Jersey resident turned herself in Wednesday after the recipient called it to authorities’ attention. 

    

      The exposed stories of the Tsarnaev family are unraveling and once more the eyes dart toward the siblings. The Tsarnaev sister has been released from custody, but, like her brother, is now awaiting a court date. Alina Tsarnaev’s legal fate will be determined on September 30^th, 2014 in Manhattan. 

Written by Elizabeth Muscari, 6th Period 

Courtesy of The Boston Globe and Milton J. Valencia. (http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/08/27/tsarnaev-sister-arrested-new-york-city-threatened-victim-with-bomb/GsGzVi7iLH2UCcHRvr1CfJ/story.html)