After ten years of searching, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, is dead. He was killed in his compound in Pakistan on Sunday, May 1.
According to CBS News, US helicopters carried counter-terrorism troops into bin Laden’s compound and back out again in less than 40 minutes (cbsnews.com). According to the Telegraph, a British newspaper, bin Laden was shot twice in the head and once in the chest (telegraph.co.uk).
“I guess it’s a good thing. He was behind the attacks on 9/11, so it’s good that he’s dead. You know, bad guy down, but Al-Qaeda’s still going around, threatening America,” said Senior Yasmin Perez.
Three adult males were also killed in the raid, including one of bin Laden’s sons. Three women were killed, one of whom was used as a human shield (cbsnews.com).
“I hope that it gives the families of everyone that was affected closure. I have difficulty rejoicing over someone’s death, no matter how black I believe their soul was; but what I am rejoicing in is that person can no longer harm other people,” said English Teacher Paula Perretta.
According to the New York Times, bin Laden’s body was buried at sea. A statement from the general command of Al-Qaeda demanded that the remains not be treated in an “improper way” and that they should be given to his family (nytimes.com).
“It’s hard to tell what it means, because it depends on if somebody equally malicious steps up and replaces him or if it leads to the dissolution of Al-Qaeda,” said English Teacher John Middleton.
“I think it’ll relieve a lot of Americans, but I mean, it’s actually going to be worse for us because now a lot of terrorists are going to want to take revenge because of his death,” said Senior Mary Harrison.
“I think it’s great that we finally achieved something out of the war, but people are taking it the wrong way, in that they’re celebrating a death. I think people should be celebrating the fact that we can achieve peace sometime in the future,” said Freshman Calvin Leather.
“For over two decades, Bin Laden has been Al Qaeda’s leader and symbol,” President Barak Obama said in a statement broadcast around the world. “The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat Al-Qaeda. But his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that Al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad.”