Late Sunday night Alaska’s politicians released the following statements regarding the death of Osama bin Laden:


U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska:

"Tonight we learned Osama bin Laden is dead. The man was behind some of the most inhuman and unprovoked deaths of innocents in generations -- the worst of which being the hateful 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. His death is a direct result of the determination of America's military and intelligence forces -- and it casts a well-deserved spotlight on our men and women who fight in the shadows."

"The lesson here to the world: If a fight is brought to the American people, we will finish it. But it's crucial that the world recognize while the man is gone, the mindlessly-violent Al Qaeda movement he led and the hatred he represented are still very much alive."


Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska:

“This has been a long time coming. Terror mastermind Bin Laden and his followers have been terrorizing nations for years, and hiding like the cowards they are. Too many lives have been sacrificed in this search. The United States military is the strongest military in the world and it has seen this incredibly difficult mission through and the intelligence efforts by those Americans who have dedicated themselves to this search are to be commended."

“We can't get comfortable though; there are still too many who would like to see harm brought to the United States, a nation based in freedom. However, this is a huge victory for us and sends a strong message to those who would like to hurt us: you may try, but your efforts to hurt freedom will never succeed!”


U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska:

“I applaud our military men and women, President Obama, and our intelligence officers for this historic moment. Since the unforgettable tragedy of September 11 nearly a decade ago, Americans have waited for justice to be served.

“It was a decade-long commitment by two presidents and thousands of American service members that I hope brings some sense of relief for the families of 9/11 victims and will help break the Al Qaeda network worldwide.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I support President Obama's call for continued vigilance and strategic use of our armed forces to protect America's security.”