Fallin, Lawmakers Applaud Death Of Osama Bin Laden

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma lawmakers are reacting to the news elite American forces have killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan.

President Barack Obama announced Sunday night U.S. forces killed the terrorist leader during a gun battle in a custom-built hideout in the town of Abbottabad.  Bin Laden was shot twice in the head.

Two Obama administration officials said Monday morning DNA tests proved, with 99.99 percent confidence, that Osama bin Laden was killed.  His body was buried at sea.

News 9 received swift responses from Oklahoma lawmakers about the terror leader's death:

Governor Mary Fallin:

"Our military men and women and our intelligence officers have once again made the world a safer place. This is a great victory in the War on Terror and a defeat for Al Qaeda and all those who use terror as a weapon. It is also, I hope, a cause for relief and for closure among the many men and women who lost loved ones in the September 11th attacks. I would encourage all Oklahomans and Americans to keep the victims of 9/11 and their families in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate this important victory for the United States and all freedom-loving people."

U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas:

"The death of Osama Bin Laden marks a momentous occasion in our nation's fight against terrorism. For nearly a decade, al Qaida's number one man and America's highest counter-terrorism target has evaded justice after engineering the worst act of terrorism on our soil. For the victims of the September 11 attacks, their families, and the countless men and women in uniform who have sacrificed as a result, the death of Osama Bin Laden is an outstanding accomplishment. It symbolizes the unrelenting nature with which America will fight terrorism and pursue those who perpetrate it.

Though the death of al Qaida's leader is a milestone achievement in the Global War on Terror, it does not mean terrorism has been defeated. We must continue the fight against Muslim extremists who see arbitrary violence as a legitimate avenue of religious and political expression, and we must continue to support our troops abroad who are currently engaged in that fight. I commend and congratulate our men and women in the armed forces and the intelligence community that have dedicated their lives to capturing this terrorist."

U.S. Congressman Tom Cole:

"Like all Americans, I am pleased to learn that Osama bin Laden has been dealt with in the manner which he deserved. This hard-won victory has taken almost a decade to achieve. The credit goes to the U.S. military, our intelligence services and those who assisted them in this ten- year effort.

"While this is a significant U.S. victory in the War on Terror, it does not signal the end of the struggle against al Qaeda and its allied terrorist organizations around the world. We and our allies have much to do in hunting down other terrorists, ensuring that no area of the globe provides them a safe haven and bolstering the ability of our friends to deal with such threats.

"We will learn much more in the days ahead, and the struggle to keep America safe is far from over. But every American can take pride and satisfaction in what our forces have accomplished. They have made America and the world safer. And they have delivered justice to an elusive and deadly mass murderer."

U.S. Congressman John Sullivan: 

"Last night, the American people got the news we have longed to hear for almost ten years - Osama Bin Laden, the mass murderer responsible for 9/11 and numerous acts of terrorism against our nation, has finally been killed by US forces. Our nation will never forget the tragic events of 9/11 or the thousands of American lives lost. Bin Laden's death at the hands of US forces sends a strong signal to the world that our nation will not tolerate terrorism or violence against our people. As we continue to remain vigilant against terrorism around the world, it is my hope that the families of 9/11 victims can take some satisfaction in the fact that the worlds most notorious terrorist is dead."

"I also want to join the American people is sending our sincere thanks to members of our armed forces and intelligence community who so bravely serve to keep our country safe. God bless America. "

U.S. Congressman James Lankford:

"The death of Osama bin Laden demonstrates the tenacity of the United States military and intelligence community. I salute their courage and dedication. This culminates nearly twenty years of persistent searching for this terrorist. Today, all Americans and defenders of freedom around the world, can celebrate a major accomplishment in our national security. The threat of terrorism remains alive and well however, and we should continue to support and pray for all the men and women who continue to risk their lives every day to keep us safe."

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe:

"For almost ten years, our men and women in uniform have faced hardships in the effort to capture or kill Osama bin Laden for of his role in the 9/11 attacks. I congratulate our nation's finest for their tireless pursuit for justice. We rejoice that this monster is dead. While we have succeeded in taking out the head of al Qaeda, the effects of his death are yet unseen, and could span a broad range of possibilities. We must not let our guard down in the Global War on Terrorism, and we must remain ever vigilant in protecting our nation and its people."

U.S. Congressman Dan Boren:

"This is a wonderful day for the United States of America. Getting rid of Usama bin Laden has been priority number one for the intelligence community. Al Qaeda is still a threat to the nation, but its greatest symbol is gone. We must never forget the terrorist acts that Bin Laden committed on innocent Americans. Our thoughts are with their families today."

Todd Goodman, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party:

"Upon hearing of Osama Bin Laden's death, we here at the Oklahoma Democratic Party want to recognize the family, friends and loved ones of those who were lost on 9/11. Hopefully this news will bring some closure to the tragic attacks on our land almost ten years ago.

"We want to thank and honor our military men and women for their service, hard work and determination. This historic occasion could not have happened without these heroes. Their sacrifices are our sacrifices and we cannot thank them enough for all they do.

"Lastly, we want to applaud the President for his leadership in refocusing our mission to target Osama Bin Laden and making that a top priority. We have been waiting many years for this closure, and we are glad he has finally been brought to justice.

"May 1, 2011 will go down as an historic day. We unite, we persevere, and we continue on more resilient than before. "