New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia Governors’ Statements on Death of Osama bin Laden

May 2, 2011

Below please find statements from three governors whose states were directly impacted by the tragedy that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001:

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie:

“There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered,” Christie said. “While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden’s reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail.”

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett:

“Last night, American justice was vindicated alongside American bravery when Special Forces located, did battle with, and killed the terrorist Osama bin Laden.

“Nothing we say today can come close to matching the eloquence with which the actions of our armed forces spoke last night. Americans remember. There is no waiting them out. What happened on Sept. 11, 2001, will not be forgotten. The message remains: the injustice of terror will be answered by the justice of American response.

“Pennsylvanians today are very proud of American forces for taking out the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, which not only scarred our nation, but also Pennsylvania soil. We will never forget the brave heroes of Flight 93, who gave their lives in a field near Shanksville and thwarted an attack on the U.S. Capitol.”

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell:

“This is a great and historic moment for America and the world. I applaud President Barack Obama, his Administration and the brave men and women of our military for this successful operation. The death of Osama Bin Laden brings final justice to the evil perpetrator of the attacks of 9/11. Justice has truly been served. While we celebrate this news, we must also remember that The War on Terror is not over. We cannot rest until our nation is secure, and all threats to our freedom and our people are eliminated.  On this day, and every day, we continue to remember those we lost on that tragic day in September 2001, the brave service men and women who have died defending our nation in the years following that attack, and the family and friends they have left behind. We will never forget.”