Local Voices Speak About Osama Bin Laden's Death

Local residents had a variety of reactions to the news of Osama bin Laden's death.

Robert Krug of Avon, who was having coffee at Panera Bread in West Hartford, said he knew three people who had died in the Twin Towers on 9/11, including a fraternity brother.

"It has significant meaning for me," said Krug, who grew up on Long Island. "When I went to my high school reunion, there were pictures of classmates" who died in the 2001 attacks.

Dr. Howard Hochman of West Hartford said, "It's good that we finally got him," but added that his absence won't likely derail al-Qaida and its mission.

"It's like a hole in the water when you take your fist out of the bucket," he said. "We haven't done away with al-Qaida. ... Certainly over the last 10 years, he's had a lot of time to organize or plan for this day."

Hochman, who also knew three people killed in the attacks, said bin Laden's death doesn't bring those people back.

"Revenge is hollow," he said.

Leslie Silverman of West Hartford said she was a "little suspicious" about whether or not it was bin Laden because of all the faulty intelligence that has been gathered over the years. If it was him, she said, it probably wouldn't change al-Qaida's mission and might even trigger more violence.

"I have a hard time believing that one person's existence or non-existence can really determine the future of this moment," she said. "People devoted to him might be inspired to be even more active."

John Schultz of Newington, who was also having coffee in West Hartford's Panera Bread, said he was very happy to see the news.

"It was time, and I give the president high marks for proceeding with it," Schultz said, adding that he wasn't a "big fan" of the president but appreciated how he had handled this situation.

Andrew Morrow, principal of Bristow Middle School, said he could only think of the families affected by the devastation on 9/11.

"I hope that the news brings them some closure and peace," he said.

Mayor Scott Slifka had a whole story to tell about how he heard the news and his reaction:

"I was watching the Mets game late last night while trying to get my daughter to fall asleep.  At a point in the game where it didn't make any sense, the crowd started to murmur and then cheer.  I was confused for a few seconds as the action (or lack thereof) on the field continued not to justify the crowd reaction.  Then the announcers interrupted their calling of the game to announce the momentous news.

"When I had a moment to reflect, what hit me was the great gulf of time between catching Bin Laden and the commission of his crime — and how much had changed in the world and in my life during that period.  I hope that this can bring some measure of closure to those who lost loved ones on 9/11, and that perhaps we can begin to close this chapter and live in a world not so dominated by the spector of terror and never-ending war."