Politics & Government

LOCAL REACTION: Osama Bin Laden Killed In Pakistan

Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, called his death a "critical victory against terrorism."

Osama Bin Laden was killed during a U.S. operation in Pakistan, the President announced Sunday night.

"After a firefight they (U.S. troops) killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body,” President Barack Obama said in a live address to the nation. (A transcript of his remarks can be found here.)

The president said no Americans were hurt in the operation. (Read more about the timeline of the operation here.)

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Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, whose district includes Palm Desert, called his death a victory against terrorism.

"Justice has been delivered to America's public enemy number one and the face of evil. Tonight's announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden means our nation has achieved a critical victory against terrorism,'' Mack said in a statement.

"I congratulate our military and intelligence forces who have helped make our world a safer place by eliminating this grave threat."

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The congresswoman said bin Laden's death has a "special meaning to all those who lost loved ones on that terrible day and my heart and prayers are with the victims and their families, and also to all of the soldiers who have given their lives in the fight against terrorism."

"This should send a clear message to terrorists around the world that no one is beyond the reach of justice and our great nation."

"While we must remain vigilant against terrorists and extremists wherever they lurk, it is my hope that the world is a safer place as a result of tonight's news."

Palm Desert resident Mary Finley wrote on Facebook that her family was glued to their television.

"Having my kids all gather around to listen to the President's address,'' she wrote. "Historic for sure."


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