Connecticut Reacts to Death of Osama bin Laden

Public officials in Connecticut have greeted the death of Osama bin Laden with satisfaction.

U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, compared it to the death of Adolf Hitler, Sen. Richard Blumenthal called it a historic victory and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy remembered the grim scene in his hometown of Stamford on Sept. 11, 2001.

"As mayor of Stamford on 9/11, I remember waiting on the train platform there as scared, confused, and overwhelmed commuters made their way home, none of us fully understanding what had just happened," Malloy said in a prepared statement released late Sunday. "I also cannot forget the Connecticut residents we lost that day.

"Over the last decade, Connecticut men and women have served our country honorably, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. This news is a testament to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our Armed Forces and our country."

Larson also commended the armed forces and echoed President Barack Obama's call for unity.

"The most wanted man in the world has been brought to justice by the American people. It is a historic moment, rivaled only by the demise of Adolf Hitler," he said in a press release.

"I want to commend President Obama and the men and women in uniform and in our intelligence service for their great efforts. I also want to commend President Bush, who rallied our nation in our moment of need on 9/11.

"Tonight’s spontaneous outbreak of national pride reminds me of the moment when Members of Congress set aside party differences and joined together on 9/11 to sing God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol. I hope we can all use this moment to come together and work to move the nation forward.

"To those who still wish us harm, let this serve as notice - if you attack our nation, if you attack our citizens, no matter how long it takes, we will bring you to justice!"

Congressman Chris Murphy, returning to the United States from Afghanistan, made the following statement on the death of Osama bin Laden:  

"Nothing can ever restore the moral order undone by Osama bin Laden's horrifying attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, but now Americans can sleep easier knowing that a man of true evil no longer walks this earth," Murphy said.  "The killing of bin Laden does not erase the damage he did, but it brings us one giant step closer to justice."  

Murphy was in Afghanistan with a Congressional delegation where he received briefings on special operations in the region from top special operations leadership.  He also met with troops and attended a memorial service for nine Americans, including one from New Haven, who were killed last week.  

"Our country's best and brightest comprise our special operations forces - today we praise their work and grieve again for those who bin Laden killed," Murphy added.

Blumenthal called the death of bin Laden a turning point, but emphasized that the war on terror is not over.

“Striking down this enemy of democracy and freedom is an historic victory for our nation and marks a significant turning point in the war on terror," he said in a prepared statement. "Osama Bin Laden orchestrated the killing of thousands of Americans including many from Connecticut and I hope his death provides their families and loved ones with some solace and closure.

"However, we must remain vigilant, vigorous and avoid complacency in the war against terror which continues since the enemies of democracy and freedom are greater than one individual. While we hope for peace, we must do everything possible to support the brave American military men and women whose relentless service and sacrifice helped win this victory.

"As they continue this fight across the globe, my heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the American warriors who have been lost or injured in the war on terror.”