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Mass. Lawmakers React To Bin Laden's Death

More than 200 Massachusetts residents or people with strong ties to the state died on Sept. 11, 2001. Here's how current and former Massachusetts lawmakers reacted to the news that Osama bin Laden was killed in an raid in Pakistan:

-- Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, to WBUR, praised the U.S. military for its work in bin Laden's death, and said that while he has not increased police presence in the city, "We are more aware of what's happening out in the streets today than we were."

-- Rep. Michael Capuano, to WBUR:

I think that a lot of Americans are going to take some joy in this, but again, I think it's a mistake to think that the death of one person means that the war against terror is over or won.

-- Sen. John Kerry, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (statement):

The killing of Osama bin Laden closes an important chapter in our war against extremists who kill innocent people around the world. We are a nation of peace and laws, and people everywhere should understand that our ten-year manhunt was in search of justice not revenge. Terrorists everywhere must never doubt that the United States will hunt them down no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of our intelligence agencies and our military for their tireless dedication and enormous sacrifice to bring justice to a man responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11 and thousands more men, women, and children around the world.

I commend President Obama and his national security team for never forgetting the need to secure justice for those who lost their lives nearly 10 years ago and for those who have lost their lives in the war against extremism that continues today.

A single death does not end the threat from Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups. We must remain vigilant and committed to keeping the world safe and secure.

-- Sen. Scott Brown (statement):

This is a great day for America and our allies across the free world. Osama Bin Laden has finally gotten the justice he deserved. I commend President Obama, former President Bush and the highly capable men and women in our military and intelligence community whose tireless work over the last decade made this day possible. It is also a time to reflect on the victims of 9/11 and their families, as well as those who have died across the world fighting terrorism. Let this be a lesson that there is no sanctuary in the world for America's enemies.

-- Gov. Deval Patrick (statement):

On behalf of the people of Massachusetts and all others who suffered the profound loss of the September 11, 2001 attacks, I congratulate and thank President Obama and the soldiers and intelligence personnel who carried out this mission. We also remember our Massachusetts servicemen and women who continue their extraordinary efforts to rid the world of terrorism. Let us heed the President's call to unite, as we did in the months of mourning following that terrible day, to make a better, safer and more just world.

-- Rep. Ed Markey (statement):

This announcement, only a few months before the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, is an enormous milestone in our country's efforts to combat terrorism. It is a testament to the courageous and relentless work of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe overseas and here at home.

Osama Bin Laden was the face of terror against the United States, the personification of the horror of the September 11th attacks. With the life of one of world history's most evil figures now extinguished, hopefully a measure of relief and healing can come to the families and loved ones of his victims. We will never forget those who perished on 9-11, including those on the two hijacked planes from Logan Airport that crashed into the World Trade Center Towers.

As our nation moves forward, we must remain vigilant and continue our efforts to detect and deter attacks from al Qaeda and its affiliates around the world.

-- Rep. Barney Frank, to WBUR, said his death will likely have a destabilizing effect on al-Qaida:

Among other things, they have to be very concerned now about how we got this information. This is good news to me that al-Qaida's now got to be worried about America having penetrated some of its secrecy.

-- Rep. Bill Keating (statement):

For the past decade, our lives in this country have been defined by the cowardly and despicable act that occurred on 9/11. Tonight, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families of that attack as justice has been achieved.

I think I join all US citizens in thanking our military and counterterrorism professionals who heroically worked to keep all Americans safe.

We must remember, however, that the threats against our country do not die with Bin Laden. Our national security remains of the utmost importance, and we must continue to cultivate critical partnerships in the region in order to protect ourselves from threats beyond our border.

-- Rep. Niki Tsongas (statement):

The announcement late last night of the killing of Osama bin Laden brings some much needed closure for themany families in the Fifth District who lost loved ones in the attacks of September 11th as well as to those who have lostfamily members or whose family members have been injured while serving in our subsequenteffort to bring to justice those who were responsible for that horrific crime.

“The relentless pursuit of al Qaeda by our intelligence community and the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform have made this day possible. The death of Osama bin Laden serves as a warning that there is no place on earth that we will not find and hold accountable those who harm our citizens.

“Today is not the end of the fight against extremism in our time. Rather, we must be even more vigilant in the days and months ahead. But today we are reminded of the spirit that unified our country and strengthened our resolve in the face of such brutality on September 11th. It is with this spirit of common purpose that we pledge to keep the memory of the lost alive and to continue to bring to justice to those responsible.

-- Former Gov. Mitt Romney (statement):

This is a great victory for lovers of freedom and justice everywhere. Congratulations to our intelligence community, our military and the president. My thoughts are with the families of Osama bin Laden's many thousands of victims, and the brave servicemen and women who have laid down their lives in pursuit of this murderous terrorist.

This program aired on May 2, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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