Northeast Queens Leaders React to News of Bin Laden's Death

Northeast Queens elected officials, one of whom lost a family member to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, joined in the city’s celebration upon news that an operation carried out by the Central Intelligence Agency brought down Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Councilman Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, said his cousin was among the 343 firefighters who lost their lives at Ground Zero.

“Today is a day for all New Yorkers and Americans to celebrate,” Halloran said. “The man who tried to tear our city apart 10 years ago has been brought to justice.” My cousin, FDNY Lieutenant Vincent Halloran, was one of the hundreds of firefighters to fall in the towers. Today, I will remember him and the many other victims of Osama bin Laden’s violence. The families of the victims can finally enjoy some degree of closure.”

U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-Bayside, who sits on the House’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, said bin Laden’s death represented a “huge victory” for the United States.

“Osama bin Laden chose to make war against America,” he said. “And today, we can take satisfaction that we have answered him in kind.”

But Ackerman said the nation should remain on alert and that Al Qaeda would not likely be deterred by bin Laden’s death.

“The head of the Al Qaeda worm has been cut off,” he said. “But we must remember, worms grow new heads. Although this is a gratifying occasion and a crucial psychological boost for all Americans, we must remember that our enemies remain determined to attack us, despite this powerful and demoralizing blow.”

During a press conference last night, President Barack Obama announced that bin Laden had been killed on Sunday during a CIA raid in northwest Pakistan.

As the leader of Al Qaeda, bin Laden orchestrated the Sept. 11 attacks, claiming the lives of 2,977 people, including 23 police officers, 343 firefighters and 37 Port Authority workers.