Peoria Navy SEAL killed in al-Qaida raid remembered as hero

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - A Peoria U.S. Navy sailor killed during a raid on al-Qaida base in Yemen is being remembered as a hero.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood of Peoria says Chief Special Warfare Operator William "Ryan" Owens "gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country." The Pentagon says the 36-year-old died Jan. 28 of wounds sustained during the raid. Owens was assigned to an East Coast-based Special Warfare unit. Owens' death is the first known U.S. military combat casualty since President Donald Trump took the oath of office on Jan. 20.

LaHood says Owens' death "is a painful reminder of the immeasurable cost of our freedom and national security."

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos of East Moline, Illinois, says Owens death is a "tragic loss" and "our nation owes him and his family our deep heartfelt gratitude."