Bin Laden: The Reaction

The world is reacting to the death of Osama Bin Laden, and here in Hamden, most surveyed Monday think his death is a very good thing.

"I'm so happy, I cried when I heard," said Susan Robins, who grew up in Cheshire and went to school with Mark Jardim, who was killed in the attacks. 

"I think that for the people who lost family and friends on 9/11, this is very cathartic," Robins said. "It's like, we have been waiting for this for what seems forever, and it's finally here, and now we can feel some justice has been served."

"He deserved it," said Joshua Johnson, 22, whose brother did two tours of military service in Iraq. "Maybe it took a little time, but we got him and I always knew we would."

He himself wanted to join the military, Johnson said, but didn't because the thought of having two sons in harms was was "too much" for his mother.

"She freaked" when he told her his intentions, Johnson said, "so I haven't done it -- yet."

"I think it's the best thing that could have happened for the country," said Gerald Horner, a Korean War veteran. "It seems lately that nothing is going right and everyone is so down, and this is just what we need -- something to unite us and lift our spirits.

"All I can say is, God bless America," Horner said.

Only one person surveyed Monday at the Hamden Plaza wasn't celebrating.

"I think it's just all sad," said Monica Brusher, 34. "I wish none of it had ever happened, and I don't know if this will help or hurt."

But for David Koloher, who turned 27 on Sunday, it's the best birthday present he could have received.

"I remember Sept. 11 very well," he said. "I remember seeing all of the notes people left [at Ground Zero] looking for people who were ultimately dead, and even now I watch on YouTube the planes hitting the buildings, and it makes me mad.

"I'm glad he's dead," he said, "and I hope it hurt bad." 

One Connecticut lawmaker is tying Bin Laden's death to what he believes is the need to retain the death penalty. Naugatuck state Rep. David Labriola said he will bring up Osama bin Laden's terrorists acts against the U.S. as an example of why Connecticut should maintain a death penalty law for the most violent criminals.

Gov. Dannel Malloy had this to say about yesterday's events:

"The news tonight that Osama bin Laden has been killed is 10 years in the making. As mayor of Stamford on 9/11, I remember waiting on the train platform there as scared, confused, and overwhelmed commuters made their way home, none of us fully understanding what had just happened. I also cannot forget the Connecticut residents we lost that day. Over the last decade, Connecticut men and women have served our country honorably, and some have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. This news is a testament to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of our Armed Forces and our country."

And from U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro:

“The death of Osama bin Laden is a significant achievement, and provides a great sense of satisfaction for America. I have a tremendous appreciation for our troops and the President for this act of justice. It has been nearly 10 years since that horrible day in September 2001, and I hope that the many families who lost loved ones in Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington, D.C., and in other al Qaeda-led terrorist attacks can find some comfort in today’s action.

“I commend the members of our Armed Services and intelligence community who carried out this operation, and who have been and continue to operate in Afghanistan and around the world since 9/11. I was in Afghanistan recently and was able to speak with some of these brave men and women, and I know and deeply appreciate the sacrifices they and their families are making for our country. We should honor and pray for them every day. I also applaud President Obama and his national security team for making this a priority and for their steadfast commitment to the mission as part of the U.S. effort against al Qaeda."