Decision not to release graphic trial video raising First Amendment questions

A dramatic view inside Marathon Sports was among the new video of the Boston Marathon bombing released as the trial got underway.

Watch Kelley's report

Far more graphic surveillance video from Forum Restaurant, including survivor Marc Fucarile on fire, was also shown in court but not released publicly. The decision to keep some video under wraps has pitted victims' rights against the First Amendment.

Liz Norden could clearly see her sons JP and Paul Norden as she watched the video in court.

"I saw my boys on the ground. You could see it plain as day. Their legs were missing," Norden said. "I saw one of their friends on fire. It was horrible."

Fucarile has never seen the video and tells WCVB's Kelley Tuthill it should stay out of public view so his young son never sees it either. Norden agrees.

"I think the victims should be able to see it and for them to decide," Norden said.

In an email, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney said graphic images have been withheld in "order to protect victims' privacy and dignity and safeguard their emotional and psychological welfare."

"Unfortunately and sadly this time it's not about the victims," said Emily Rooney, the host of WGBH's Beat the Press. The local and network TV veteran calls this overreach by the US Attorney.

"It's one thing to ask us to use it with caution and carefully," Rooney said. "It's another thing to say that you can't have it. It was shown in open court."

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Decision not to release graphic trial video raising First Amendment questions

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