Suburban legislators react to bin Laden's death

Congressional representatives from the suburbs praised the military mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden but cautioned that the U.S. still faces threats from Al-Qaeda.

Rep. Peter RoskamRepublican, 6th District#8220;Today is a great day for freedom and America as a despicable man has been brought to justice. While nothing can bring back the victims of 9/11 and Al-Qaeda's terror elsewhere, the death of Osama bin Laden will hopefully give some solace to the families whose lives were forever changed by al-Qaida's terror. I am deeply appreciative of the armed forces and clandestine officers, the unsung heroes that delivered justice for America and the world. While this is a tremendous victory, our work is not done. We still face a serious threat from al-Qaida and radical Islamic terrorists and must stay vigilant in our efforts to fight terrorism.#8221;Rep. Joe WalshRepublican, 8th District#8220;Osama bin Laden's death marks a historic victory in the war on terror for the United States. Both former President Bush and President Obama deserve much credit in their quest for justice and fighting terrorism abroad. However, the lion's share of the credit should go to the dedicated efforts of the American intelligence officials and members of the United States Armed forces that pursued this objective for the past 10 years.#8221;Rep. Jan SchakowskyDemocrat, 9th District#8220;It is my hope that this event will once again unite the world against the wholesale violence that we all witnessed nearly a decade ago and provide an opportunity to work together building a world in which people of all religions and beliefs can live in peace. We must remain vigilant, but this development should give all people of goodwill hope for the future.#8221;Rep. Robert DoldRepublican, 10th District#8220;The death of Osama bin Laden is a significant achievement in our fight against terrorism and strikes a blow to those violent extremists who seek to do our nation and all freedom loving democracies harm. On Sept. 11, 2001, more than 3,000 innocent souls lost their lives and now justice has been served. I commend the men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community for their unwavering commitment to bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Our fight against those who want to destroy democracies around the world continues but today we can press ahead, as confident as ever in our nation's ability to confront and triumph over evil.#8221;Adam KinzingerRepublican, 11th District#8220;During my recent trip to Afghanistan and throughout my tours overseas, I've had the opportunity to meet with our men and women who are committed to fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan and the security of our nation. Today, Americans stand proudly united as we recognize this commitment from our military. Our courageous men and women in uniform are working tirelessly to eliminate acts of pure hatred and protect our country. We owe the dedicated members of our armed forces and intelligence community who carried out this mission a debt of gratitude. Their sacrifice is the reason for our security and our liberty.#8221;Judy BiggertRepublican, 13th District#8220;For 10 years, one man has represented the face of terrorism for U.S. citizens and our allies around the world. Osama bin Laden was the mastermind behind the most vicious act of mass murder ever committed on U.S. shores. Since then, he has spent years in hiding, spinning a web of violence and hatred that reaches across the globe. Today, he is dead, and that's a welcome and long-overdue victory for justice#8230; 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.#8221;Randy HultgrenRepublican, 14th District#8220;The death of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the vicious attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is a victory for freedom and justice. While his death is welcome news, it does not mean that we have triumphed over the ideology of hatred he espoused, nor over those who would seek to use violence in its advancement. To those who would seek to do us harm, the death of bin Laden is a stark reminder that we will not rest in our quest to bring them to justice.#8221; 432648Rep. Joe Walsh 13872200Rep. Jan Schakowsky mug326374Rep. Robert Dold mug 26674000Rep. Adam Kinzinger 8801102Rep. Judy Biggert mug514771Rep. Randy Hultgren mug