After years of attempts, justice is served.  President Obama announced on Sunday night that Osama bin Laden was killed by the US military, specifically the Joint Special Operations Command (we hear it is Navy Seal Team #6).  

Once the White House posts the remarks we will post them here.  Senator Nelson has his statement out and that is below.  We will post other Nebraska Members of Congress as we get them.

It is amazing to see the huge crowd of young people outside the White House celebrating this victory for our country and citizens around the world.

This is not only a day for justice, it is a day we should all remember to thank the men and women who serve our country.  Thank a veteran and active member of the military…

We should also note, on this day 66 years ago Hitler was also announced dead.

Senator Nelson Statement:

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson made the following statement on the president’s announcement on the death of Osama bin Laden:

“It goes without saying that this is good news to the free world. Bin Laden was a madman who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans.

“Most of us remember the morning of the terrorist attacks on Sept 11, 2001. It’s taken nearly a decade, but Bin Laden’s death brings a measure of justice to the families of those who lost loved ones in the tragic events of that day.

“We must not drop our guard. Al Qaeda continues to operate and we must be persistent in our efforts to fight terrorism.

“No doubt, though, the death of the mastermind of the 9-11 attacks deals a blow to al Qaeda and is good news in the fight against terrorism.”

Update, 11:31pm: President Obama’s remarks are online now.

Update 12:29am: Rep. Terry and Fortenberry release statements below.

Update 2pm: Sen. Johanns releases statement below.

Rep. Terry:
“As we learn the details over the next few hours and days, let’s remember those who protect our safety and our freedom every day from those who subscribe to Bin Laden’s legacy of hate,” Terry said. “This is tremendous news.  One of democracy’s greatest enemies has drawn his last breath and the most wanted man in the world has been brought to a measure of justice.  Though the war on terror doesn’t end with this announcement, it is a great victory for our nation.”

Rep. Fortenberry:
“America and much of the world have waited for the day when Osama bin Laden would be stopped.

“Osama bin Laden led Al Qaeda through more than two decades of indiscriminate bloodletting.  Nearly 3,000 Americans were left dead in his most extreme act of violence, on September 11, 2001.  We all recall where we were on that fateful day, and our drive for justice and for peace for his victims has remained constant.

“We rooted out the last vestiges of the Taliban in Afghanistan’s government, and searched the world over for those who did us harm.  Through nearly ten years, Osama bin Laden eluded capture.  His death is not the end of our efforts, though it gives some closure to those who lost loved ones on 9/11, at the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole and two U.S. embassies in East Africa, and in attacks on U.S. forces in Somalia.

“We should recognize the brave efforts of those military and security forces personnel who conducted this mission, and all those who serve and have served us in the U.S. military.  Their work is not done; it is naive to hope that this will end terrorist threats and violence.  But for a moment we can take a breath of relief–for it has been long in coming.”

Sen. Johanns:

“What rewarding news for our country, our Allies, and the ideals for which so many have fought and sacrificed. Let the death of Osama Bin Laden be the latest reminder that extremism and terrorism have no place in this world. The universal cause of freedom, tolerance, and democracy has a refreshed purpose today, and will never be deterred by violent extremists.

“I commend the men and women of our Armed Forces for their valiant efforts since September 11, 2001. The global fight against extremism will continue, but this is a significant hurdle in the long process of seeking justice for the atrocity of the greatest attack on American soil in our nation’s history.”