Schakowsky: Photos of bin Laden's body too graphic for release

After viewing photos of a dead Osama bin Laden, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky said there's “no question” in her mind that they should not be released to the general public because of their graphic nature.

She said that seeing the photos _ an opportunity afforded to a few select lawmakers in recent days — only reinforced earlier statements she made backing President Barack Obama's decision.

“These are pictures of a violent crime scene. This is a dead person... shot in the head. A dead Osama bin Laden,” the Evanston Democrat said.

Pointing to Taliban suicide bombers retaliating in Pakistan Friday, killing 80, Schakowsky noted, “you know that there's no good that can come out of circulating those photos.”

A member of the House Intelligence Committee, Schakowsky was viewed the photos at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., Friday afternoon, shortly before boarding a plane home to Chicago.

Schakowksy said she viewed the photos from binders located in a congressional affairs room at the same time as North Carolina Democrat Rep. Mike McIntyre.

Lawmakers were able to compare shots of bin Laden both alive and dead, matching up various features.

Sen. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican, had been an outspoken proponent of releasing the photos. Despite that, he said he respects Obama's decision.