Locals React to Bin Laden's Death

President Barack Obama announced Sunday evening that Osama bin Laden is dead and East Brunswick residents couldn't be happier.

"I just hope nothing comes of it. It had to be done, but death never comes easy," said Gail Wilson Monday afternoon outside the township municipal complex. "My cousin is a Navy Seal and I'm proud of them."

Osama bin Laden was killed in a home outside Islamabad, Pakistan, following a firefight with United States special forces Sunday afternoon. According to reports, the body's identification was confirmed through a DNA test and then buried at sea.

Locally, East Brunswick residents that lost their lives on the Sept. 11 attacks include Siew Nya Ang, Susan Blair, Paul W. Innella, Hweidar Jia, Alan David Kleinberg, Stuart Louis, Suzanne Passaro and Kenneth W. VanAuken.

"I'm delighted," said resident Richard Gall on Monday. "It couldn't have happened to a better person. 

Others realized that killing the man responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks wasn't that cut and dry.

"I'm glad, but where is still no peace," said Diane Barella, who also said she is afraid of what sort of retaliation bin laden's followers were planing.

One women at the East Brunswick Library who wished to remain anonymous said that even though bin Laden had to be captured, she felt uncomfortable celebrating someone's death.

"I think it's good, but I have mixed feelings," she said. "I think he should have been caught and punished for what he did to the United States, but also it's sad to see a celebration of a death. But I see that it would have been impossible to capture him alive."

Following President Obama's announcement, state officials announced statements praising the turn of events. 

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt issued this statement Monday afternoon.

"At this time, we remember the deaths and injuries that resulted from bin Laden’s vicious attacks on our embassies, ships, planes and the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and the many thousands of deaths caused by the havoc he sowed. Our hearts once again go out to all the families affected. 

“Today, America's military and intelligence services demonstrated why they remain the best in the world. Osama bin Laden's removal will not immediately end the threat of terrorism against the United States, but his death represents a crippling blow to the organization responsible for the 9/11 attacks. I congratulate President Obama and the dedicated and brave members of our military and our intelligence services for acting to eliminate this threat to the American people.

“The length of time this has taken to accomplish—more than 13 years since the embassy bombings—reminds us that military and paramilitary operations have limitations and the fight against terrorism requires a multifaceted approach and reminds us that we must develop as much international cooperation as possible to defeat it."  

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg had this to say.

“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’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 released a statement shortly after midnight regarding the news. 

“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. "

Gov. Chris Christie had this to say.

"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."

"It’s long been rumored that Bin Laden has been “hiding” in caves in Afghanistan and Pakistan, following the Sept. 11. 

"The news of Osama bin Laden's death spread rapidly across New Jersey on Sunday evening, despite the late hour.

"While he did not provide details, President Obama said that the U.S. has been tracking bin Laden for months and finally located him in a residence in Pakistan. After a firefight, the president said, Bin Laden was killed, with no loss of U.S. lives. "

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