More reaction to Bin Laden’s killing
We'll continue to track the reactions of Minnesota's congressional delegation to the news that Osama Bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces yesterday.
Here's DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum's statement:
"The death of Osama Bin Laden is the most significant blow to al Qaeda in the nearly ten years since the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. This is a just end to a mass murderer who targeted innocents and destroyed so many lives.
"President Obama, his national security team and our courageous military personnel are to be commended for their leadership in achieving this accomplishment.
"I hope that today's action provides some comfort to the families who lost loved ones in the attacks as well as families of our military personnel who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of terrorists who threaten our country.
"There is much more work ahead to keep our nation safe.
"I share the President's belief that this historic moment is an opportunity for all Americans to once again come together to remember our common ties. Our greatness as a nation and our continued security depend on our determination as Americans to protect our shared values."
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GOP Rep. John Kline, a former Marine, also emphasized his support for the troops but like many of his Republican colleagues, didn't mention President Obama is his statement:
"Nearly 10 years ago America suffered one of the most horrific attacks on her people in our nation's history. Thanks to the tireless and heroic efforts of our troops and intelligence officials, Osama bin Laden - the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks - is dead. While the world is now free from one truly evil man, we are still at war with Islamist extremists. We must remain increasingly vigilant, and continue to support our brave sons and daughters in uniform as they courageously battle a determined enemy."
Here's a statement from DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar:
The killing of Osama Bin Laden brings a measure of justice for the families of all those lost to his senseless terrorism, including Tom Burnett's family in our own state. Burnett, a passenger on Flight 93, courageously fought back against the Bin Laden led hijackers.
Since 9/11 Bin Laden taunted our country for over a decade and our prayers and gratitude are with our courageous counterterrorism agents and troops that tracked him down and brought him to justice.
Today we remember those who were killed, their families who continue to grieve, and the brave first responders who rushed to ground zero to save lives on that terrible day. I hope that this will offer some comfort to the families who lost loved ones on that September day.
Today is also a reminder that we must remain vigilant to protect ourselves from threats around the world and of the incredible courage and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and intelligence agencies who work day in and day out to make sure America remains safe.
Here's GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack's statement:
"I applaud the amazing men and women of our military and our intelligence agencies who have worked for almost 10 years to make sure Osama bin Laden - the perpetrator of the worst terrorist attack in American history - was finally brought to justice for his heinous crimes. This may not end the threat posed to us by global terrorism, but it is a clear victory for America and freedom loving people throughout the world."
DFL Congressman Collin Peterson is now out with a statement:
"After nearly 10 years, the perseverance of our military and intelligence communities has brought justice to Osama bin Laden. I'm grateful to all those men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to bring more security to our country in these tough times. We also must remain vigilant against the threat of terrorism still faced by so many around the world."
UPDATE 2:20 PM
DFL Rep. Keith Ellison just released this statement:
"The death of Osama Bin Laden marks the most significant accomplishment yet in the war against Al-Qaeda. I commend the work of the U.S. Armed Forces and intelligence community for finding the world's most wanted terrorist. I also wish to recognize President Obama for his decisive leadership as Commander in Chief.
Today my thoughts are with the families of those Bin Laden murdered in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Even before 9/11, Bin Laden killed Americans and others at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, and on the USS Cole.
Americans of all faiths recognized the end of a truly evil man last night. Osama Bin Laden was a murderer. I hope his death marks the beginning of the end of the Al-Qaedaism ideology."