With President Barack Obama announcing late Sunday that American forces killed terrorist Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, one by one Floridas leaders released statements, cheering the news.
Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio weighed in on the news moments after Obamas press event.
"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, said Rubio.
"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, added Rubio. "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."
From his perch on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson also praised the news.
The noose has been tightening for months because of our intelligence operations, said Nelson. And we've finally cut off the head of the snake. This is a historic day, and we thank the men and women who carried out this operation.
Members of Floridas congressional delegation offered their thoughts on the death of bin Laden on Monday.
This is a great day for America: Justice has been done, said Republican U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw. Osama bin Ladens death is a major blow to al-Qaida and terrorist networks around the globe and a comfort to the loved ones of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.
Our military and intelligence personnel displayed expertise in this mission, and they deserve thanks and praise, Crenshaw added.Our work is not over, though. We must remain vigilant in the war on terror.Today and every day moving forward, we stand squarely behind our servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect us 24 hours a day, seven days a week around the world.
As Americans, we all remember the moment when we first learned that our nation was under attack on Sept. 11, 2001, said freshman Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland.Over the past decade, Americas war against terrorism has been sustained by the memories of the innocent friends, neighbors and loved ones lost on that clear autumn day, along with our brave military heroes who sacrificed their lives for liberty in the years after the attacks on New York, Washington and United Flight 93.
I am pleased that Osama bin Laden now faces the ultimate judgment for a life spent sowing seeds of hatred, continued Southerland. We must, however, remain vigilant against terrorist thugs who will use todays events as a rallying cry for their evil extremism. I pray that God will continue to watch over our dedicated men and women in uniform as they protect our safety at home and fight for our freedom overseas.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch was flying back from Israel when he heard the news. He released a statement on Monday after he arrived back in the United States.
"The death of Osama bin Laden nearly a decade after he masterminded the horrific attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 is a historic moment that underscores the resolve of the American people to see justice through, said Deutch. We are grateful for the incredible courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, and I salute the precision of our intelligence community and the leadership of President Obama and his national security team. The killing of Osama bin Laden marks a dramatically vital development in our war against terror, and it is my hope this victory sustains our nation and our allies as we continue our struggle for a safer world.
"We should all applaud the president and his administration, military, and our intelligence community, for their heroic efforts to capture and kill Osama bin Laden. The men and women serving in the military, intelligence and counterterrorism communities work courageously on the front lines each day to ensure the security of our nation and the world."
Democratic U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings also weighed in on the matter on Monday.
"Osama bin Laden, for 10 years, has held the title of scourge of the earth. I am glad that justice has been served. It is my hope that the families of 9/11 and the East African Embassy bombings can find a little more closure now, said Hastings. "We must be extremely mindful that al-Qaida has not been removed, nor has the sentiment of this very dangerous societal element. We must remain ever vigilant.
"The irony of two events on May 1 should not be lost, added Hastings. First, the late Pope John Paul II was beatified and moved closer to sainthood. He spent his life blazing a path of enlightenment, peace, love, and uplifting humanity. Secondly, bin Laden spent his life lighting a path of murder, deceit, and the destruction of humanity. While one found sainthood, the other found Satan. It is good that bin Laden no longer plagues the earth and the hope for humankind is that Pope John Paul II would be our exemplar of goodness."
Freshman Republican U.S. Rep. David Rivera offered his thoughts on bin Ladens death on Monday afternoon.
On Sept. 11, 2001, our nation suffered great losses at the hands of terrorists who targeted America for being a freedom-loving country. We lost thousands of lives in the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pa., as a result of hatred, said Rivera. On that day, Americas most basic values were challenged, but not weakened. The proof can be found in the brave men and women of our armed forces, law enforcement, public safety agencies, and the intelligence community who risk their lives every day to ensure the safety and security of every American, and in President Obamas announcement on Sunday evening.
As always, but especially today, we owe our servicemen and women, and the members of our intelligence community, a debt of gratitude as well as our respect and appreciation.I congratulate them and President Obama for carrying out this important mission, added Rivera. Osama bin Laden took the lives of thousands of Americans and others around the world through al-Qaidas violent attacks.Justice has been done and the world is a safer place now that he is not in it. However, we must remain vigilant and aware that while this is a great achievement, the war on terror is far from over, and we must always strive to ensure that America is safe from the threat of terrorism.
On Monday morning, Gov. Rick Scott issued a statement regarding bin Laden being killed.
The death of Osama bin Laden marks a great victory for Americans and for freedom-loving people worldwide, said Scott. Finally, some degree of justice has been achieved after nearly a decade of death, war and untold sacrifices because of that man. For the loved ones of all those we've lost in this war on terror, may this bring some measure of peace.
I am so proud of our dedicated military men and women, and our intelligence community, for not giving up in our pursuit of justice. I am grateful for their tenacity and their deep sacrifices. President Barack Obama should also be commended for doing the right thing and following through with the promise of justice initially given by President George W. Bush, added Scott. While threats remain, today the world is a safer place.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
