The morning after President Barack Obama's dramatic late-night announcement that U.S. forces had killed 9/11 mastermind and former al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, members of Tennessee's congressional delegation are responding.
Bin Laden, sought by the United States for nearly a decade, was shot to death on Sunday in a raid of the mansion in Abbottabad — some 35 miles from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan — where it is believed he and members of his family had been staying.
"A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability," Obama said in a news conference late Sunday night. "No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body."
As of this morning, it was reported that bin Laden's body had been buried at sea.
Members of the Tennessee congressional delegation reacted to bin Laden's death early Monday morning.
Sen. Lamar Alexander: "Our military men and women and President Obama deserve great credit for their courageous mission to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."
Sen. Bob Corker: “Osama bin Laden's death finally puts an end to an unspeakable reign of terror carried out by the man responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks and the deaths of thousands of Americans and innocent civilians around the world. We're tremendously proud of our military and intelligence services who successfully executed a dangerous operation that resulted in a major victory for the fight against terrorism. While the threats against the U.S. remain, bin Laden's death sends a powerful message to the world that we will not rest until justice is done.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper: "The death of Osama Bin Laden is a great victory in our fight against terrorism. I am thankful for all the brave men and women who fought tirelessly to help bring this man to justice. We will never forget the horrific attacks on 9/11, but hopefully this will bring some closure and comfort to those who lost loved ones nearly 10 years ago. This does not mark the end of our fight against evil, but it should serve as a warning to all those who chose to attack Americans. No matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, we will find you and justice will be served."