Maryland congressional members commend bin Laden's killing

by C. Benjamin Ford

"The death of Osama bin Laden is an important milestone in the fight against terrorism and a relief to millions of Americans and others around the world who have felt his murderous destruction," said Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) in a statement. "Osama bin Laden was a murderer who devoted his life to the destruction of freedom, democracy and our way of life."

U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen (D-Dist. 8) also said his thoughts were with the families of those killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001.

"The death of Osama bin Laden represents a huge milestone for the United States in our fight against al-Qaida and terrorists seeking to harm our country," Van Hollen said in a statement. "The fight against al-Qaida is far from over and we must remain vigilant, but yesterday the terrorist network lost its founder and leader. It was a good day for America and for all those throughout the world who work for freedom, justice, and peace."

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Dist. 1) called the announcement by President Barack Obama on Sunday night "great news for the security of America, as well as for our troops at home and overseas who continue to protect us from terrorism every day."

U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Dist. 5) praised the military and intelligence for their work.

"That terrible day has been seared into our memory, and I hope Osama bin Laden's death brings some measure of comfort to the families of those killed on 9/11 — and to everyone across America who wanted to see him brought to justice," Hoyer said in a statement.