Politics & Government

Elected Officials and Politicians on the Death of Bin Laden

Numerous politicians and elected officials released public statements.

In a statement, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell congratulated President Barack Obama and the United States military for the operation.

"This is a great and historic moment for America and the world. I applaud President Barack Obama, his Administration and the brave men and women of our military for this successful operation. The death of Osama Bin Laden brings final justice to the evil perpetrator of the attacks of 9/11. Justice has truly been served. While we celebrate this news, we must also remember that The War on Terror is not over. We cannot rest until our nation is secure, and all threats to our freedom and our people are eliminated.  On this day, and every day, we continue to remember those we lost on that tragic day in September 2001, the brave service men and women who have died defending our nation in the years following that attack, and the family and friends they have left behind. We will never forget."

Democratic Senate candidate and former Gov. Timothy M. Kaine:

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Last night's announcement that United States military operating in located and killed Osama bin Laden is a major victory in our long-fought war against terrorism. Our heroic military and intelligence officers deserve and have the thanks of a grateful nation. This victory was a product of years of intelligence gathering and cooperation that spanned branches of the military and government. All those who contributed to this effort should be extremely proud of their service to their country.

While last night's military action ends one chapter in our ongoing effort to keep our country safe we must remain vigilant in the struggle against terrorism. We know that bin Laden led a complicated web of terrorist organizations all invested in the singular goal of committing atrocities against our citizens at home and abroad and we cannot rest on this mission's success. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to defeat those who wish to harm us and we must continue to provide our military with the necessary resources to ensure our safety.

Find out what's happening in Burkewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As we near the tenth anniversary of the atrocities of September 11, 2001, which Virginians experienced first-hand when terrorists attacked the Pentagon, my family's thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost loved ones on that horrible day and the families of those soldiers killed abroad in the years since. While nothing can replace what they have sacrificed, I hope that they find comfort in knowing that justice was served."

Republican Senate candidate and former Gov. and Sen. George Allen:

"The death of Osama bin Laden is welcomed news for all Americans and people around the world who share our values of freedom. This is a measure of justice for the families who lost loved ones on September 11th and during the War on Terrorism. Everyone who has lost loved ones in our war should feel pride in this result in taking out the head of Al-Qaeda.

This is a testament to the resolve of Americans to see justice served. I commend President Obama for continuing to pursue this vile terrorist and his networks. Our ultimate success in hunting down this mass murderer is a tribute to the skill and perseverance of the U.S. military and the intelligence communities, who have put themselves in danger and sacrificed much to keep our homeland safe.

The death of Osama Bin Laden is important symbolically and strategically, but it is not the end of the war on terror. Radical terrorism is larger than any one person or one group. America and her allies are still the target of the enemies of freedom, and we must remain vigilant in our fight."

Republican Senate candidate Jamie Radtke:

"Today was a significant victory for all Americans and the rest of the world because justice was served on a hate-filled, radical terrorist: Osama bin Laden.

President Obama's administration, our intelligence forces and our military forces - and particularly the brave military personnel who carried out the operation that killed bin Laden - deserve our thanks.

Tonight we should pause to say a prayer of thanks for every soldier and National Guardsman who has sacrificed by leaving home and hearth – often serving multiple tours of duty – to fight our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and pray God will bless each of them and their families.

Let us also remember in our prayers the more than 3,000 people bin Laden and his fellow terrorists killed on September 11, 2001, and the more than 6,000 Americans who have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq, including 175 Virginians.

But we must also never forget that the evil that drove Osama bin Laden still exists – and we must be ever vigilant and strong.

Our war against militant Islamic terrorism is not over. Prudence suggests that we face greater risks in the near-term, as al-Qaeda attempts to show that bin Laden's demise does not end their war against America and the world. It is my prayer, however, that Osama bin Laden's death will be a turning point in the war in Afghanistan.

Make no mistake, however: today is an important day in American history, because bin Laden is dead."

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here