Gov. Christie, New Jersey React on Death of Osama bin Laden

The news of Osama bin Laden's death spread rapidly across New Jersey on Sunday evening, despite the late hour.

Reaction was swift and almost universal: Exultation that one of the United States' most elusive foes was dead, and dead as a result of U.S. action.

In an extraordinary address, President Obama interrupted almost every U.S. TV channel to announce the news.

While he did not provide details, he said that the U.S. has been tracking bin Laden for months and finally located him in a residence in Pakistan. After a firefight, the president said, bin Laden was killed, with no loss of U.S. lives.

Locally, a cautionary tone still prevails.

"All law enforcement is at heightened alert," noted Mountainside police captain Richard Osieja.  "We are all gratified that bin Laden has been captured but we also know that although he was the head of al-Qaeda, the war is not over. There are many more who believe as he does and would do anything to harm the U.S. or a citizen of the US. Locally our patrols are going to continue their vigilance in reporting any suspicious activity or information to the proper federal authorities."

Below, you can find statements from state officials on the action.

Gov. Chris Christie

(Released late Sunday night.)

"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. Sen. Robert Menendez

(Released shortly after midnight.)

“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."

U.S. Sen. 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.”

Congressman Albio Sires

“From the banks of the Hudson River, I watched in horror as the skyline of New York City was attacked and thousands of Americans lost their lives in a heinous plot orchestrated by Osama bin Laden.  September 11th, 2001 changed our lives and our country forever.  Last night, President Obama announced that the evil mastermind behind the September 11th attacks was dead.  After a long search, Osama bin Laden has been brought to justice.  While the losses suffered that tragic day will never be forgotten, I hope the families of the victims are able to find some amount of comfort and closure in his capture.”

“The United States’ ability to locate and kill Osama bin Laden is a true achievement.  I commend the brave men and women our military and intelligence community for their unwavering pursuit of this dangerous man and his brutal agenda.  Due to their dedication and courage, we have brought justice for the victims of the September 11th, 2001 attacks.  As a member of the US House of Representatives, Foreign Affairs Committee, a former Mayor of a small town directly across from Manhattan, and most of all as a citizen of this great nation.  I also want to commend the women and men who fight our freedom every day.”

“As Americans everywhere reflect on this victory against terrorism, we understand that threats still remain.  We must stay vigilant in our efforts at home and abroad to protect our great nation, its people and the ideas it represents.  God Bless our Armed Forces and God Bless America.”

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