"After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word. The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation - and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation. New Yorkers have waited nearly ten years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001."
--New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
"The death of Osama Bin Laden is a welcome milestone for the friends and families of those killed on 9/11, and for all who remain tenaciously engaged in protecting New York from another attack."
--Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly
"The death of Osama Bin Laden is a historic moment that represents a major step in our country's efforts to defeat terrorism around the world and should bring a sense of justice to the victims of 9/11 and his other attacks. We will never forget those who were lost, their families and those who risked their lives to save others. New Yorkers endured Bin Laden's most devastating and destructive attack, and his death brings back the horrific images and emotions of that terrible day. However, his death also reminds us of our strength, courage, and unity as a people in our response to his actions. The Administration's vigilance and dedication to hunt down Osama Bin Laden has never wavered and I applaud their commitment to this cause. I also applaud our men and women in uniform who have fought tirelessly against terrorism and to defend freedom. The threat to our state and our nation unfortunately does not die with Osama Bin Laden. We must remain vigilant in preventing terror acts and continue to do everything to keep our state and nation safe and secure."
--New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
"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."
--New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
"This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers -- and citizens from all over the world -- who were murdered on 9/11. It took close to ten years, but the world's most wanted terrorist has finally met his deserved fate. New York's heart is still broken from the tragedy of 9/11, but this at least brings some measure of closure and consolation to the victims and their families. This is a massive accomplishment for the countless military and intelligence personnel who have been urgently dedicated to this task for the past decade. Because Bin Laden's evil dogma has poisoned the minds of so many others, we cannot let up in the war on terror. This successful mission sends a definitive message to those who would test the resolve of the people of the United States of America: do not doubt our resolve; if you do us harm, we will find you, we will mete out justice, and we will prevail."
--New York Senator Charles E. Schumer
"I commend President Obama on the announcement of the killing of Osama bin Laden. Today, the American people have seen justice. The leader of the United States' top enemy has gotten what he deserves for orchestrating the deaths of nearly 3,000 innocent Americans on September 11, 2001. In 2001, President Bush said 'we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.' President Bush deserves great credit for putting action behind those words. President Obama deserves equal credit for his resolve in this long war against al-Qaeda. This great success would not have been possible without the tireless work of countless brave men and women who have served around the world in this War on Terror."
U.S. Representative Peter King
"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."
New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg
"The news tonight that Osama bin Laden has been killed is 10 years in the making. As mayor of Stamford on 9/11, I remember waiting on the train platform there as scared, confused, and overwhelmed commuters made their way home, none of us fully understanding what had just happened. I also cannot forget the Connecticut residents we lost that day. Over the last decade, Connecticut men and women have served our country honorably, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. This news is a testament to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our Armed Forces and our country."
--Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy
"Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al-Qaida network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."
--Former President George W. Bush
"I congratulate the president, the national security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaida attacks."
--Former President Bill Clinton
"I want to personally congratulate President Obama and the men and women of the Armed Forces for a job well done. I am so proud to see Americans standing shoulder to shoulder, waving the American flag in celebration of this great victory. We should spend the next several days not debating party politics, but in remembrance of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and those currently fighting for our freedom. God Bless America!
--Donald J. Trump
"The death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of American forces is a victory for the United States and a tremendous achievement for the military and intelligence professionals who carried out this important mission. Their tireless work since 9/11 has made this achievement possible, and enabled us to capture or kill thousands of al Qaeda terrorists and many of their leaders. I also want to congratulate President Obama and the members of his national security team. At this moment when bin Laden has been brought to justice, we especially remember the sacrifice of the young Americans who've paid the ultimate price in defense of the nation, as well as the nearly 3000 Americans who lost their lives on 9/11. Al Qaeda remains a dangerous enemy. Though bin Laden is dead, the war goes on. We must remain vigiliant, especially now, and we must continue to support our men and women in uniform who are fighting on the front lines of this war every day. Today, the message our forces have sent is clear -- if you attack the United States, we will find you and bring you to justice."
--Former Vice President Dick Cheney
"This is great news for the security of the American people and
a victory in our continued fight against al-Qaida and radical
extremism around the world. We continue to face a complex and
evolving terrorist threat, and it is important that we remain
vigilant in our efforts to confront and defeat the terrorist enemy
and protect the American people. I want to congratulate - and thank
- the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and
intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance
that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama
and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts
to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."
--House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
"The death of Osama bin Laden marks the most significant
development in our fight against al-Qaida. I salute President
Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and
women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations
who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this
major accomplishment. It is a testament to the professionalism of
our dedicated national security professionals that no American
lives were lost in this operation. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I
hope that today's action provides some comfort to the 9/11 families
who lost loved ones in the devastating attacks on our shores. Though the death of Osama bin Laden is historic, it does not
diminish our relentless pursuit of terrorists who threaten our
country."
--House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California
"Osama bin Laden is dead, killed in a targeted U.S. operation
authorized by President Obama. This is the most significant victory in our fight against
al-Qaida and terrorism, but that fight is not over. We will
continue to support our troops and the American civilians who are
fighting every day to protect our homeland. Nine-and-a-half years ago, Osama bin Laden masterminded the
horrific attacks against the United States that killed nearly 3,000
people. As we remember those who were killed on that dark day in
September and their families, we also reaffirm our resolve to
defeat the terrorist forces that killed them and thousands of
others across the globe. Because of courageous Americans in our
military and intelligence community, their leader is now gone."
--Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.
"The news that Osama bin Laden is no more demonstrates the resolve of the intelligence and military community and the American community writ large. We did not forget, nor will we ever. May this news give some measure of comfort to those we lost on 9/11 and those we have lost since that day, who fought so bravely to answer brutality with justice. As we mark this victory, we know that as one chapter closes, more chapters will be written. A flawed ideology did not die with one man. But just as surely as the fight will continue, so will our determination. We remain, just as we were nearly ten years ago, joined together and joined to the task."
--Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, who was also the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
"An evil person has been eliminated, Osama bin Laden is dead and buried at sea. Justice has been done. His death brings a sense of relief to the families of 911 and the families of all those brave America troops who have fought this war over the past ten years. I congratulate the intelligence community and the assaulting troops for this flawless operation. Osama bin Laden was just one man. The al-Qaeda threat remains and we must be vigilant and aggressive against them until they are totally destroyed."
--Colin L. Powell, General, USA (Ret)
