Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

Is This the Time to Debate Gun Control; Manhunt Intensifies in Rural New York; Vietnam Vet Recalls Life as POW; Aired 10:30-11a ET

Aired June 24, 2015 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[10:30:02] DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: She said she never understood and never would understand what it is he did but she did say the jury did the right thing.

And then a friend of Karen -- Krystal Campbell, a woman by the name of Karen McWatters who lost her leg, she said, "There are many men trying to join terrorist groups. You can save someone else from this cowardly act. Show remorse," she pleaded with Dzhokhar Tsarnaev who didn't show any reaction when she said that.

It is so almost heavy in that court, Carol, as these people come up and talk to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. This is the moment that they can make their statements hoping that the judge will formally sentence him to death row and also consecutive life counts on the other charges. But we can tell you, the father and mother of the youngest victim, 8-year- old Martin -- 8-year-old Martin Richard, basically said, "He chose to accompany his brother, he chose hate, he chose destruction, he chose death, this is all on him. We choose love."

And that's really the feeling you're getting inside the court. A couple of the people, Carol, have, in fact, broken into tears. So it's going on right now, about 25 people to speak before he is formally sentenced -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right. Deborah Feyerick reporting live from Boston this morning, thank you.

Turning now to the church massacre in Charleston. President Obama brought up the issue of gun control in its wake. But some argued that that wasn't the time for that. So when is a good time if not after a tragedy like this?

Listen to one South Carolina lawmaker who raised eyebrows by not only invoking gun rights but seemingly blaming the victims for not being armed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)