Politics & Government

Residents React to Osama bin Laden's Death

Some residents are relieved while others still worry.

President Barack Obama announced Sunday evening that the United States killed Osama bin Laden, and that U.S. forces are in possession of his body.

"I'm glad this chapter of wondering where he is is over—but then again it's only a step," said South Pasadena Mayor Mike Ten. "It's good that it has happened for those who died on 9/11."

Bin Laden is accused of being the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people when two suicide attacks by al-Qaeda targeted the Twin Towers in New York City after the hijacking of four commercial airliners. Everyone on board was killed. 

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Every year, South Pasadena City Council holds a memorial service at to honor South Pasadena High School graduate, Sue Kim Hanson, who was killed in the 9/11 tragedy. Hanson boarded a plane from Boston to Los Angeles with her husband and young daughter that day. This September, the city will be donating a plaque in her honor, Ten said.

According to the President, bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in a firefight in Pakistan. "The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement of our country to date in our fight against al-Qaeda," said Obama.

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Local community members have been flooding social networking sites with reactions to bin Laden's death. 

"[I'm] overwhelmed. It's an historic moment. And I feel some peace in my heart that justice has been done," Alisa Hayashida-Diez told South Pasadena Patch on Facebook Sunday night. 

But not all are as relieved. "I have to say I am a little worried about the payback," Vicki Apostolou Kades wrote

Chief Joseph Payne concurs.

"While bin Laden's death is a crippling blow to al-Qaeda, we must remain vigilant to guard against future terror attacks," Payne told Patch Sunday night. "Since the global war on terror has proceeded over the last ten years, the threat has become more decentralized and, in some ways, more dangerous."

To watch President Obama's address, click here.


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