Illinois Lawmakers react to bin Laden's death

“Thank you and Bravo Zulu to all service members and CIA who have sacrificed so much for this day.” — U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, via Twitter

“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.”

— U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin

“The death of Osama bin Laden marks a great victory in the War on Terror for the United States. The world is now free from bin Laden's reign of terror thanks to the dedicated efforts of the U.S. military and intelligence agencies. While this victory will never bring back the precious lives lost on September 11, 2001, Americans can rest easier tonight knowing this major threat to our nation's security has been removed. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for the many men and women in uniform for (paying) the ultimate price avenging the terrorist attacks on our great nation. Let us take a moment and remember their sacrifice.”

— Congressman Joe Walsh of McHenry

“Nearly 10 years after he ordered the 9/11 attacks, justice has been served to Osama bin Laden. The most feared terrorist ever to walk the face of the earth was tracked down and killed today by U.S. armed forces, and the world is a better place tonight. Our thoughts are with the families of those killed on 9/11 and in other terrorist attacks with hopes that they can rest a little easier tonight knowing bin Laden is dead.”

— Congressman Don Manzullo of Egan