Congressman Roscoe Bartlett released the following statement concerning the death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of U.S. Special Forces after a night-time raid in Pakistan that was announced in a televised address by President Barack Obama.
"Credit for the death of Osama bin Laden is without a doubt the result of unrelenting persistence, dedicated leadership and unparalleled teamwork since 9/11 by thousands of men and women who volunteer to serve in America's intelligence agencies and our Armed Forces. Osama bin Laden's death is a huge psychological victory for Americans. However, the fact that Osama bin Laden had been living for months in a million dollar compound surrounded by Pakistani military facilities and personnel makes it clear that bin Laden's death is not the end of the war against the United States and our allies by al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. Americans need to understand that there are thousands of others prepared to take his place. Many sympathetic to bin Laden's cause will be emboldened by his death. It's hard to believe that people in power in Pakistan had no idea that someone like Osama bin Laden was there.
"We owe each of the men and women in our military and intelligence agencies a debt of gratitude for the contributions they made in tracking down bin Laden. These are unsung disciplined efforts painstakingly pursued with skills honed and plans executed over months and years. We may never learn about the roles of some people who knew Osama bin Laden or others in his inner circle of trusted associates until years from now, if ever. We can never repay these brave Americans and allies who placed themselves in harm's way to protect us and bring Osama bin Laden to justice.
"Lastly, we must always honor the memory of those who are dead and injured because of Osama bin Laden. He plotted and inspired others to brutally murder Americans on September 11, 2001 at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center. More than three thousand American men and women have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting al Qaeda, Taliban and other forces inspired by bin Laden. More than 20,000 Americans have been injured, many with grievous life-altering wounds that require constant medical care."