Our Reps React to Bin Laden's Death

The reaction from elected officials who represent Lilburn about the death of Osama bin Laden was, as U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall (R-Lawrenceville) put it, “uplifting and sobering at the same time.”

Woodall, who represents District 7, which includes large portions of Lilburn, said he hoped Americans would remind themselves of this day, just as they have about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“We all remember where we were and what we were doing when the hijacked planes crashed on American soil,” Woodall said in a statement. “We will all now remember where we were and what we were doing when the president of the United States announced that the man with the blood of more than 3,000 Americans on his hands is no longer a threat to America.”

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Lithonia), whose 4th district includes part of Greater Liburn, was just returning home from an overseas trip when he heard the news of the mission to attack bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, according to spokesman Andy Phelan.

Johnson announced, “This victory in the ongoing fight against violent extremism shows the resolve of the American people and the leadership of President Obama,” he said. “We are grateful to U.S. intelligence personnel and military forces that carried out this essential mission and brought Osama bin Laden to justice.”

State Rep. B.J. Pak (R-Lilburn), who represents Georgia House District  107, emailed this reaction:

“I am relieved to a certain extent that the man responsible for masterminding the 9-11 attacks is now dead. But we as Americans must continue to be vigilant in protecting our people and our freedoms. There are still extremists — both foreign and domestic — that want to hurt Americans, and we cannot be complacent.

“I take this occasion to again remember those who lost their loved ones on 9-11 and from other terror attacks. And I thank our military personnel who are risking their lives to keep us safe.”

Gov. Nathan Deal, who is currently dealing with the aftermath of the tornadoes that ripped through northern Georgia last week, reflected on what Sunday meant for Americans.

“We celebrate this victory against an embodiment of evil, and we remember and mourn the thousands of innocent who died at the hands of this murderer. Today, our great nation showed once again that we will stop at nothing to defeat those who threaten our people with terrorism.”