Officials React To Bin Laden's Death

Federal, state and local leaders are chiming in on the death of Osama bin Laden on Sunday in Pakistan. Here is some of the reaction:

State Assemblyman Dave Rible (R-Monmouth):

“After nearly 10 years on the run, America’s stellar military force has finally served justice on one of the most infamous mass murderers of our time. Our nation’s relentless pursuit of Osama Bin Laden reaffirms our standing as having the best military force in the world. While every American was impacted when bin Laden ordered his terrorist regime to attack the U.S. on September 11, 2001, it was particularly felt by the Monmouth County community which suffered a high number of casualties in New York City that day. While this news won’t bring back those we lost, it sends the message that the United States will always hunt down, no matter how long it takes, those responsible for such horrific acts of terrorism and hold them accountable.”

State Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-Monmouth):

“Osama bin Laden’s death at the hands of U.S. armed forces is a testimony to our nation’s commitment and resolve to seeing justice served. As President George W. Bush said, ‘...No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.’ And yesterday it was. While the demise of the world’s top terrorist won’t bring back the more than 3,000 innocent Americans killed on Sept. 11, 2001, many of whom resided in Monmouth County, it is a huge victory for our nation’s war on terror. It is my hope that bin Laden’s death will, in some way, help those families who lost loved ones on that tragic day in their healing process.”

State Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R-Monmouth):

"Nearly ten years after the unspeakable attack on America on 9/11 justice is done. Monmouth County paid a disproportionate price that day, losing 147 of its residents who never came back home. I speak for all New Jerseyans and Americans in acknowledging the relief and sense of justice felt by the victim's families as well as the pride we all feel in the heroic efforts of America's armed forces and national security professionals stationed here and abroad. Today all the world sees the determination and perseverance of America and its citizens to protect and secure our great nation."

U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.):

“The death of Osama bin Laden is a victory for the courageous men and women of the American military and intelligence agencies. It clearly demonstrates American resolve to never forget the victims of 9/11, secure justice for their surviving family members and work continuously to root out those who would conduct terrorist acts in the future. The War on (Terrorism) is not over and we go forward fully dedicated to combating the cowardly acts of terrorism and with renewed vigilance to protecting Americans at home and abroad.” 

Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.):

"I want to commend President Obama's Administration for its commitment and dedication to finally bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism. There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered. While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.):

“People across the civilized world will have great satisfaction and relief with news of the death of Osama bin Laden, one of the worst killers in the history of man. He was a ruthless terrorist responsible for a savage mission that killed thousands of innocent Americans and others around the world. Now we must be particularly diligent and let the message get out that we we’ll do whatever is necessary to stop this kind of madness. Osama bin Laden’s disciples must know that the free world is united against terror and will fight terrorists no matter who they are, where they hide and no matter who their protectors might be. A 9/11 must never be allowed to happen again. I commend the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have been engaged in the pursuit of terrorists and all of those who continue to fight the insanity that drives terrorists who believe they can follow in this course.”

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J):

“As a nation, we may all feel some measure of closure that justice was accomplished. That through persistence and continued perseverance Osama Bin Laden and others were found and held accountable. Like all Americans, New Jerseyans never forgot the heinous actions of those responsible, never forgot those whose lives were lost, never stopped asking questions of our government, and never ceased continuing the pressure on the importance of capturing Bin Laden and bringing justice to those responsible. Although Osama Bin Laden’s demise will not end terrorist threats, his death is a significant blow to the leadership of the al-Qaeda organization and sends the message that the U.S. will find, destroy and dismantle al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that seek to threaten the United States and its citizens at home or abroad. May we all join together in unity, grateful to those in our military who everyday put their lives at risk and sacrifice greatly to protect our nation. Let us be especially grateful to those who put themselves at risk to bring Bin Laden to justice. My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all New Jerseyans, are with those who lost family and friends on 9/11. Hopefully they can find some solace and a measure of closure today.”