Elected Officials, Residents React to Death of Osama bin Laden

Lemont residents and Illinois representatives are weighing in on the death of Osama bin Laden, praising U.S. forces and urging continued vigilance.

President Barack Obama that the al-Qaida leader was killed by U.S. forces in a fire fight at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The news comes nearly 10 years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States that killed thousands of men, women and children.

In a statement released Monday morning, U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) called bin Laden's death "a welcome and long-overdue victory for justice."

“Above all else, our men and women in the intelligence and military community deserve our thanks and our praise for all they do to make the world a safer place. For the past decade, many of these brave individuals have put their lives on the line in pursuit of justice for the families of those killed by al-Qaida, and with this victory, they have struck a major blow against the enemies of peace. I couldn’t be more pleased or more proud of the men and women who accomplished this difficult mission.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t an occasion where we can throw up our hats and take a victory lap. Osama bin Laden wasn’t alone, and the threat of terrorism remains as real now as it was yesterday. We must stay vigilant. And even as we mark this great achievement, we must continue to protect and defend the values and freedoms we hold dear.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) released the following statement on his website Sunday night:

“I was advised by Vice President Biden this Sunday evening that Osama bin Laden has been killed. Though this is not the end of the threat of terrorism, it is a clear warning to our enemies that when they threaten and kill Americans, they will be pursued and held accountable. Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to our intelligence community and military for pursuing this manhunt for almost ten years and successfully eliminating the most high profile terrorist on earth. Those who believed bin Laden and his network were invincible will now awaken to a new reality.”

Lemont Patch readers took to our Facebook page to share their thoughts on bin Laden's death:

• Keith Gothard: Made my whole weekend!

• Pat Stanaker Hooper: FINALLY!!!

• Kelly Sexton Schields: LOVE THIS!!

• Holly Van Howe: Finally!

• Doug Bridwell: Thank God and thanks to all those responsible for taking him down. So glad he was not given the benefit of a trial.

• Amy Novak Dutton: This is definitely a day to celebrate but don't ever be lulled into a false sense of security. Terrorists will always exist and innocent people will always be there targets. At least now all the people who have lost loved ones due to Al Queda or to the war against terrorism can have a little justice!

• Marcus Hebda: I am glad justice was served but I cant help but worrying about what happens next. I felt more safe when this idiot was alive and hiding in a cave. The war against America isn't over because we killed one high ranking idiot. In fact, it will probably get worse for taking their leader.

• Robyn Rehor Horn: Marcus, I'm sure there are some of his followers that now make him a martyr. But I'm still glad that a**hole is dead.

• Marilou Purpura: Marcus, I could have wrote what you did...I am sitting here thinking what is next?

• Jennifer Scheuerman: So glad this day did come! Way to go US military! My father was over there for 18 months and now it all means something. Let's not forget all those who paid the ultimate price so that this day could come.