Congressman John Kline Reflects on Death of Osama bin Laden

U.S. Congressman John Kline, (R-Second District) of Lakeville, released a statement this morning after it was announced by President Barack Obama yesterday that Osama bin Laden, the global face of terrorism, had been tracked down, found and killed.

“Nearly 10 years ago America suffered one of the most horrific attacks on her people in our nation’s history. Thanks to the tireless and heroic efforts of our troops and intelligence officials, Osama bin Laden–the mastermind of the (Sept. 11) attacks–is dead," Kline, Minnesota's five-term, second district congressman wrote.

Celebration capped off a strange night after bin Laden's death was announced.

Around 8:30 p.m. central time last night, the White House requested air-time on all major television networks for a major announcement to be broadcast at 9:30 p.m. No topic was given at the time, and speculation ran rampant on twitter and facebook what the news could be about.

Minutes later, The New York Times and the Washington Post  reported bin Laden had been killed in a CIA operation in Pakistan, citing a number of sources.

After a few delays in the timing of the announcement, President Obama addressed the nation while thousands of people began celebrating at Ground Zero in New York City and outside the White House in Washington, D.C.

"Tonight I can report to the American people and to the world, that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaida, and a terrorist who is responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children," Obama said. "Justice has been done."

Bin Laden's death was the result of a military assault led by a team of Americans on a compound in Pakistan. Bin Laden's death ends nearly a decade of searching for the Al Qaeda mastermind, who directed the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans.

"But his death doesn’t mark end of our efforts. We must and will remain vigilant at home and abroad," Obama said in his speech.

Kline echoed the president's message in his statement.

"While the world is now free from one truly evil man, we are still at war with Islamist extremists. We must remain increasingly vigilant, and continue to support our brave sons and daughters in uniform as they courageously battle a determined enemy," Kline wrote.