Natalie Gonnella
The first of many statements, here's a look at what GOP freshmen initially had to say via Twitter, Facebook and their own congressional websites in response to the news that Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed during CIA-led operations in Pakistan:
Congressman Scott Rigell weighed in via Facebook and Twitter:
Bin Laden is dead. A heavy burden of peverse evil has been lifted from humanity. We are deeply grateful to all those who "stand in the gap" defending America from transnational terrorist like bin Laden. May tonight's announcement bring a measure of closure and peace to those who lost loved ones on 9-11. Justice, though delayed, has been served.
@RepScottRigell Hearing now that Navy SEALS led the operation. So incredibly proud of them. True warriors in defense of freedom.
Senator Marco Rubio in a statement commented:
Just as every American will never forget where we were when America was attacked on 9/11, this moment will forever be remembered by each one of us as the day justice for that tragedy was finally served. I congratulate our intelligence and military communities on this monumental operation. Their persistence and relentlessness in tracking Osama Bin Laden down have finally brought us this long awaited event. While this diabolical terrorist's death at America's hands is a moment to celebrate, we must never forget the serious terrorist threats that remain and will demand an enduring vigilance.
Taking to Twitter, Congressman Justin Amash tweeted:
@repjustinamash Justice has been done. Let's remember those who lost their lives. And let's pray for a more peaceful future.
Posted by way of Facebook, Congressman Joe Walsh responded:
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 paid the ultimate price avenging the terrorist attacks on our great nation. Let us take a moment and remember their sacrifice.
Also taking to Facebook, Senator John Boozman said in a statement:
This is a great victory for the Global War on Terror. Osama Bin Laden has been a top enemy of our country and its allies because of the murder of thousands of innocent civilians. We are grateful to the service and commitment of the men and women of our armed forces and intelligence community who have worked tirelessly to see that Bin Laden be held responsible for his senseless actions. This should send a clear message to Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that the U.S. will not give up in pursuit of justice.
Using Twitter to offer her views, Congresswoman Kristi Noem posted:
@RepKristiNoem The world is safer today thanks to the brave and determined efforts of our military men and women.
@RepKristiNoem The chief architect of 9/11 has been brought to justice for his plot that killed nearly 3,000 innocent Americans.
@RepKristiNoem This should send a clear message to any others who wish to do harm to the American people or stifle the freedoms we enjoy.
Congressman Steve Southerland in statements via Facebook and Twitter commented:
As Americans, we all remember the moment when we first learned that our nation was under attack on 9/11. I am pleased that Bin Laden now faces the ultimate judgment for a life spent sowing seeds of hatred. We must, however, remain vigilant against terrorist thugs who will use today’s events as a rallying cry for their evil extremism. I pray that God continues watching over our dedicated men and women in uniform.
@Rep_Southerland We all remember where we were on 9/11/01. I am pleased that Bin Laden faces ultimate judgment, but we must stay alert
Using an extended message via TweetDeck, Congressman Joe Heck commented:
@Heck4Nevada The death of UBL marks the successful conclusion of a painful chapter in American history. While there is still a great deal of work to do in the Middle East to stabilize the region, and this will never bring back the losses our country suffered, today we take another step forward. The men and women fighting, both in our military and intelligence community, to maintain our freedom deserve all of the credit for their dedication to this effort.
Congressman Mike Pompeo, commenting via his congressional website and Twitter, said:
I am thrilled to learn that America has defeated one of our greatest enemies, the former head of Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden. As a former member of the armed services, I am deeply proud of the courageous work performed by my brethren who worked so doggedly to take down Bin Laden. For years, our intelligence officers, soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors have committed themselves to combating the scourge of terrorism. They deserve our most sincere appreciation for a job well done and I am grateful that those Americans who are responsible for this success are able to return home, unharmed. America is now more secure as a result of the strength of our armed services and those who brought this long-running pursuit to a decisive and successful end. We need also to remember those who gave their lives in this effort -- they will never be forgotten.
@RepMikePompeo I am deeply proud of the courageous work performed by my brethren who worked so doggedly to take down Bin Laden.
In a post on Facebook, Congressman Kevin Yoder said:
I applaud the strength and diligence of our intelligence and military communities. Tonight they have brought justice to the innocent victims and families of 9-11 and to our grateful country. As we stand together proud that justice has been served, we remember our brave American service men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting the war on terror. God Bless America.
Congressman Allen West commented in a statement:
Congratulations to President Obama and his National Security Team for the capture and killing of the world's most dangerous and evil criminal mastermind, Osama bin Laden. Our appreciation and gratitude goes out to General Petreaus and the brave men and women in theater. Our Special Operations team executed a flawless, cross border operation, proving once again, our American Armed Forces are the most skilled, organized and highly trained forces in the world. Although this is a time of exuberance, rejoicing and healing, America, as well as our allies, must be vigilant and on guard for retaliatory attacks from the extreme Islamic world. What strongly concerns me is that bin Laden was not found hiding in a remote cave, but in an urban area of Pakistan where the Pakistan Army’s premier training institution operates. This is a war that is no where close to being over.
Comments