Washington, May 2: United States erupted in jubilation today as thousands of people thronged the streets raising victory slogans like “USA, Yes We Can” after President Barack Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan.
Cheering crowd in large numbers with the national flag gathered from Ground Zero in New York City to the lawns in front of the White House saying that this was a victory day for the United States. Cheers of “USA, Yes We Can” filled the air.
“Today is a remarkable moment in United States history and the fight against terrorism. And as we approach the 10th anniversary of the attacks, we prepare to open the 9/11 Memorial to the world in 133 days,” Joe Daniels, president and CEO of national September 11 Memorial, said.
“Osama bin Laden has been brought to justice. We take this time to remember the 2,976 killed in September 2001. At the World Trade Center, their names will be etched in bronze, a tribute to our nation's steadfast belief in what matters: our freedoms and our ability to overcome the worst of humanity with the best. We think of their families and send our prayers,” Daniels said.
At Ground Zero, a former New York fire fighter said: “It's a war that I feel we just won. I'm down here to let them know that justice has been served.”
“It cannot ease our pain, or bring back our loved ones. It does bring a measure of comfort that the mastermind of the September 11th tragedy and the face of global terror can no longer spread his evil,” said Gordon Felt, president of Families of Flight 93.
Joining all Americans in thanking Obama, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) hoped Osama's death will bring some relief to all the families, of every faith and walk of life, who lost loved ones on 9/11 and in every other terrorist attack orchestrated at the hands of Osama Bin Laden.
“We join our fellow citizens in welcoming the announcement that Osama bin Laden has been eliminated as a threat to our nation and the world through the actions of American military personnel,” said Washington-based Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
“As we have stated repeatedly since the 9/11 terror attacks, bin Laden never represented Muslims or Islam. In fact, in addition to the killing of thousands of Americans, he and Al Qaeda caused the deaths of countless Muslims worldwide. We also reiterate President Obama's clear statement tonight that the United States is not at war with Islam,” CAIR said.
The Indian American Conservative Council (IACC) in a statement thanked US Special Forces and intelligence services for the killing Bin Laden.
“While there will be politicians in Washington who try to take credit for this extraordinary action, we know that this recognition goes only to those men and women who persevered for years to capture bin Laden, and for those men who actually conducted the operation,” said IACC chairman Dino Teppara.
“While we are grateful for this news, we are troubled by the capture and killing of bin Laden in Pakistan. This clearly shows that Pakistan is not an American ally in the war on terrorism, but in fact an enabler of terrorism against the United States and its allies like India.”
Washington Post reported that hundreds rushed from bars and restaurants near the White House. At least one climbed a tree to get a better view.
“Two women who looked like cheerleaders were propped on the shoulders of young men as a crowd cheered and danced.
They all, several thousand in all, felt compelled to gather outside the White House,” it said. PTI
