Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today issued the following statement after President Obama announced the death of terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden:

           “For ten years, one man has represented the face of terrorism for U.S. citizens and our allies around the world.  Osama Bin Laden was the mastermind behind the most vicious act of mass murder ever committed on U.S. shores.  Since then, he has spent years in hiding, spinning a web of violence and hatred that reaches across the globe.  Today, he is dead, and that’s a welcome and long-overdue victory for justice. 

           “Above all else, our men and women in the intelligence and military community deserve our thanks and our praise for all they do to make the world a safer place.  For the past decade, many of these brave individuals have put their lives on the line in pursuit of justice for the families of those killed by Al Qaeda, and with this victory, they have struck a major blow against the enemies of peace.  I couldn’t be more pleased or more proud of the men and women who accomplished this difficult mission.

           “Unfortunately, this isn’t an occasion where we can throw up our hats and take a victory lap.  Osama Bin Laden wasn’t alone, and the threat of terrorism remains as real now as it was yesterday.  We must stay vigilant.  And even as we mark this great achievement, we must continue to protect and defend the values and freedoms we hold dear.”