Westfield and State Elected Officials React to bin Laden Death

President Obama's dramatic late night announcement Sunday of the death of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden has lead elected officials from around the state to issue statements on the action by U.S. forces. Ranging from Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitsky and Westfield Councilman Keith Loughlin to statewide leaders, here are the statements.

Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitsky

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 9-11 victims and how proud I am of our brave servicemen and women."

Westfield Councilman Keith Loughlin

"Today is a great day for America and all those impacted by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and for the brave men and women of our armed forces who defend our freedom and way of life."

Governor Chris Christie

"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. Senator Frank Lautenberg

“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. Senator Robert Menendez

“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. "

Congressman Leonard Lance of Hunterdon County (Represents Westfield)

 "Confirmation of the death of Usama bin Laden is a tremendous victory in the war against terror. The brave men and women of our military forces and intelligence services are to be commended for their successful efforts. We must continue to be vigilant now more than ever. But today we bring to a close a decade-long search of bin Laden and once again remember and honor all those lost on September 11, 2001. I also want to commend President Obama and President Bush for their efforts to bring bin Laden to justice.”

Assemblyman Jon Bramnick of Westfield

“The residents of the state of New Jersey wake up this morning to great relief – after nine and a half years on the run, Osama bin Laden has finally been brought to justice. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of Bin Laden’s reign of terror, and I extend my gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Services, who have fought relentlessly to bring closure to one of our nation's greatest tragedies."

Union County Freeholder Chairwoman Deborah Scanlon

“This mass murderer of innocents has now answered for his crimes. On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I congratulate President Obama and all those who worked to achieve this milestone, especially those service members who carried out an extremely dangerous mission with great courage. The death of Osama bin Laden removes an obstacle in the path of cooperation among nations. In honor of the memory of those who suffered at his hands, let us pledge to use this opportunity to build a more peaceful and compassionate future.

“As we pause to reflect on this historic event, we reaffirm Union County’s role as a core emergency responder for our region, and we renew our commitment to vigilance and readiness.”

Congressman Steve Rothman of Bergen County

"With the killing by U.S. forces of one of the most evil men in history, who had the blood of thousands of innocent Americans on his hands, we mark the most significant achievement to date in our fight against al-Qaeda and terrorism. The world has now been reminded that there is no safety or shelter for the enemies of our nation.

Our gratitude goes to our U.S. military and intelligence in accomplishing this dangerous and complex mission as well as to President Obama for his steadfast leadership in realizing this long sought goal of bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Our hearts continue to go out to the families of all of the 9/11 victims as well as victims of other terrorist attacks against Americans. We hope that the death of this mass murder will bring some comfort to them.

However, we as a nation must understand that this is not the end of al-Qaeda or terrorist efforts against the United States and her citizens. And we must continue our international and homeland security diligence with determination."

Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce of Morris County

“The news of Osama Bin Laden’s death hopefully provides some measure of closure for those who lost family, friends and loved ones nearly 10 years ago. America's resolve and commitment to holding those accountable who perpetrated this horrific and callous crime against humanity on Sept. 11, 2001 is a testimony that we will not rest until justice is served.   

"We must realize that Bin Laden's death ends a chapter on terrorism, but it does not close the book. Americans must continue to be vigilant in protecting themselves and being aware of their surroundings. I would like to commend President Obama for his resolve and determination in the relentless pursuit of the world's most wanted terrorist. I also wish to thank our special forces who carried out this dangerous mission and completed it with precision and without loss of American life.”

Democratic State Chairman John Wisniewski, Assemblyman from Middlesex County

"The news of Osama bin Laden's death is a profound moment for not only New Jersey families, but for every American," said Wisniewski. "Hopefully this news can help the many New Jersey families who lost loved ones on that tragic day and in the years since continue the healing process. We owe a great debt of thanks to the members of our armed forces and intelligence community for this significant victory for our country."