Locals, Officials Respond to the Death of Osama bin Laden

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening, President Barack Obama made an official statement that confirmed the death of Taliban leader, Osama bin Laden, the man held responsible for planning the September 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans. 

In his speech, Obama said said bin Laden had been killed in a firefight fight by American forces and that "justice has been done."

Governor Dannel P. Malloy released the following statement following the news that bin Laden has been killed.

"The news tonight that Osama bin Laden has been killed is 10 years in the making. 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. "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."

In Bethel, social media users shared their thoughts. On Facebook Gail Varga Celestino said "Go USA - thanks to all our military!" On Twitter  Sandra Hampson  said, "We need to remember that while Osama has been eliminated, the Taliban still exists and we should expect them to retaliate."

State Sen. Toni Boucher said in a press release that her thoughts go to 9/11 victims and their families in the area she represents.

"In the mist this jubilant time for America, a time we celebrate the heroic achievement of our defenders, we also recognize that the world is not always what we would like it to be, that it can be a tough and ugly place," Boucher said. "For many of my constituents, friends and family it is a sobering and bittersweet time of remembrance."