Iowans react to Osama bin Laden’s death

Late Sunday evening, more than 10 years after attacks believed to have been master-minded by Osama bin Laden were carried out on U.S. soil and believed to have caused the death of more than 3,000 people, President Barack Obama announced that the al Qaeda leader had been killed by U.S. forces.

No Americans were harmed in the operations, according to President Obama, and U.S. officials have taken custody of bin Laden’s body. There is some concern that al Qaeda supporters may attempt a retaliation, and U.S. diplomatic facilities throughout the world have been placed on high alert.

The 54-year-old fugitive had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted List since 1999. The announcement by Obama came eight years to the day after President George W. Bush announced the end of major combat operations in Iraq, the so-called “Mission Accomplished” speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

“On nights like this one we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror, ‘Justice has been done,’” Obama said in a late-night televised address from the White House, which is embedded at the end of this report.

Several members of the Iowa delegation have issued statements in the wake of the news.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell:

“After hearing the news of Osama bin Laden’s death tonight, I immediately thought of our men and women in uniform who have bravely fought al Qaeda forces in the pursuit of the man responsible for attacking our nation on September 11, 2001,” said Congressman Leonard Boswell, who recently returned from a congressional trip to Afghanistan. “President Obama and our military leaders should be commended for their steadfast commitment to pursuing Osama bin Laden and his followers. I look forward to joining Iowa’s military families in welcoming our brave troops as they return home.”

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley:

“Today the world is a safer place. Tonight’s announcement that Osama Bin Laden has been killed by U.S. forces is good news for all Americans. Nearly ten years after his cowardly attacks on innocent Americans and citizens of the world, and on the eighth anniversary of declaring “Mission Accomplished,” we can finally close a tragic chapter in our nation’s history. Our troops have made tremendous sacrifices, with many lives lost and many changed forever, and we must never forget the real cost of this war on terror.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Latham:

“The reign of a ruthless killer has been brought to an end. The death of Osama bin Laden is welcome news for America and her allies around the globe. We owe a debt of gratitude to the military and intelligence officials who carried out this operation. This is a critical victory for the cause of freedom and liberty. God bless the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and God bless the United States of America.”

U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack:

“Tonight’s announcement is a testament to the men and women of our armed forces’ and intelligence community’s commitment to tracking down the man responsible for the death of thousands of innocent Americans. Tonight stands as a profound chapter in our nation’s fight against those who work every day to do harm to the American people. Even as we mark this day, however, we must remain vigilant – the threat against the American people remains and there are those who may seek revenge. The safety of our nation is paramount. Having just traveled to Islamabad to discuss critical counter-terrorism issues, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to work to ensure the security of our nation.”