Pa. Gov’t Officials Issue Statements on Bin Laden Killing

Congressman Patrick Meehan and Senator Bob Casey each issued statements on the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden by U.S. Navy seals inside a compound in Pakistan. Meehan (R-Dist. 7) chairs the House Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Casey (D) is the chairman of the Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In a statement issued shortly before midnight Sunday Meehan said, "I am delighted to learn of the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Almost 10 years after 9/11, justice for all Americans has finally been served. I commend Presidents Bush and Obama for their steadfast resolve in this critical pursuit. I also commend the men and women of our military, intelligence community, and law enforcement for their work in this effort. A major blow has been dealt to al Qaeda and today is a great day in the history of our country."

Meehan is scheduled to chair a hearing Tuesday afternoon on the threat to the U.S. homeland emanating from Pakistan. In a statement on the committee's website, issued before the killing of Osama Bin Laden, Meehan said, "This hearing will provide subcommittee members an opportunity to hear from outside experts on the intent and capability of the various terrorist organizations operating in Pakistan to strike the U.S. homeland. In recent years, we have seen a number of terrorist plots against the United States planned in Pakistan."

Casey said in a statement Sunday, "On Sept. 11, 2001, the United States was viciously attacked in a cowardly terrorist plot masterminded by Osama bin Laden. Today, U.S. forces have killed bin Laden and exacted justice for his terrible crimes, which killed thousands. I thank our troops, the intelligence community and diplomats who have worked today and since Sept. 11 to bring Osama bin Laden to justice.

"On Sept. 11, Pennsylvania was directly impacted by Al Qaeda when Flight 93 was downed over Shanksville. In the nearly 10 years after Sept. 11, Pennsylvania has lost 68 troops in Afghanistan and hundreds have been injured. The sacrifice of those families who lost loved ones on Sept. 11 and in the following years can never be made whole, but I hope that the death of bin Laden can help to bring some closure.

"While today's development does not mean an end to terrorism or the need to remain relentlessly vigilant, the death of bin Laden has enormous significance in American and world history."

Congress is scheduled to reconvene this week after a two-week recess. There was no word late Sunday on how the developments in Pakistan might affect the subcommittee's planned agenda.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement alerting U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad "to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations."

Pennsylvania State Police-Media Barracks also released a statement regarding the possibility of increased threats to the area. 

"While members of the Pennsylvania State Police share in the relief felt by all Americans since the capture and death of Osama bin Laden, we remain vigilant in our efforts to rid the Commonwealth and our country of any credible threat to our freedom and our quality of life. We are not aware of any additional threat to the Commonwealth at this time. Working with our partners at the local, state and federal levels, we continue to ask everyone to be aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to our terrorism tip line at 888-292-1919."

A video of President Obama's speech and the transcript can be seen here.