DENVER - Several Colorado leaders, including senators and representatives, issued statements after President Barack Obama announced the death of Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.
Governor John Hickenlooper gave this statement Monday morning:
"The death of Osama Bin Laden gives our nation another reason to remember and honor the thousands of Americans who were killed on 9/11. We owe a debt of gratitude to our military and counterterrorism professionals for bringing to justice one of our nation's greatest enemies. It's hard not to feel a sense of relief and hope that we have turned an important corner in the struggle against terrorism."
Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.) issued the following statement Sunday night:
"Thousands of American men and women have fought and died to defeat the terrorists led by Osama bin Laden who attacked our nation on September 11, 2001. The death of bin Laden is a major milestone in U.S. efforts to eradicate terrorism and keep our homeland safe. I salute our brave service members, our intelligence community, and our commander in chief, on this important occasion. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Intelligence Committee, I will continue to ensure that our government does all it can to keep Coloradans and every American safe from enemies who wish to do us harm."
This statement was issued by Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) after President Obama made his announcement:
"Almost 10 years ago, extremist terrorists launched a vicious attack on our country that killed thousands of innocent men, women and children. Tonight, the families affected by this tragedy and all Americans received the welcome news that the architect of this attack was killed thanks to the competent and courageous efforts of American forces. While this development does not mark the end of our efforts, the death of Osama bin Laden does mark very significant milestone in our fight against Al Qaeda and violent extremism across the globe."
Congressman Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) of the 6th Congressional District distributed this statement after President Obama's speech:
"This will bring closure to the attack on 9/11 but it will have nothing to do with ending the global war on terror. After 9/11, U.S. efforts to target the leadership of al Qaida caused Osama bin Laden to keep his head down causing him to lose operational control of al Qaida ending his ability to initiate attacks against the United States. At that point, al Qaeda became more of a decentralized movement instead of a structured organization. However, since Osama bin Laden was seen as the spiritual leader of radical Islam we should be prepared for stepped up attacks against American targets as well as a strong reaction by Pakistani Islamic militants against their government for their cooperation.
"Congratulations to our special operations personnel who conducted this successful mission."
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) of the 7th Congressional District issued this statement on Sunday night:
"This is a moment of justice. The United States took out an enormous threat to the safety and security of our country. Osama Bin Laden was the leader and symbol of Al Qaeda and the architect of 9/11. Terrorism threats still remain, but Bin Laden's death is a significant development against the war on terror and a huge blow to Al Qaeda. As President Obama said, we must continue to remain vigilant. I know our special operations forces, intelligence and homeland security community is prepared to handle threats to our security. I am proud of all of those who serve and protect our nation and their diligence, determination and unwavering courage in this ongoing battle against terrorism."
U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) from the 5th Congressional District issued the following Monday morning:
"For nearly a decade, America has sought to bring justice to the man responsible for the death of thousands of innocent Americans on Sept. 11, 2001. Justice has now been served to Osama bin Laden. This is a major victory for our troops and intelligence community who have worked valiantly to make this day possible. I give credit to President Barack Obama for staying the course set by his predecessor, George W. Bush, in doggedly pursuing an evil villain.
"His death tells the world that freedom is a far greater force than fear and oppression. We will not relent in our fight to keep Americans safe and secure."
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