The death of Osama bin Laden has ignited patriotic reactions among Athens officials since President Barack Obama announced the terrorist leader’s death Sunday night.
Bin Laden, 54, was shot in the head and killed after a team of U.S. Navy Seals stormed the mansion in northwestern Pakistan where he was residing.
The anonymous members of the tactical team should be fully credited for this accomplishment, said Bill Bias, Athens City Council president and chairman of the Athens County Democratic Party.
“The only thing I was disappointed with was that I wasn’t the one holding the gun that shot that son of a bitch,” he said.
Pete Couladis, chairman of the Athens County Republican Party, also said he is thankful for the efforts of the CIA and the Navy Seals.
“Bin Laden’s death is long overdue, and it’s a great thing for humanity,” Couladis said.
Bin Laden’s body was buried at sea yesterday morning, according to an Associated Press report.
Although his death is a huge accomplishment in the war on terror, the possibility of backlash is a serious concern, Mayor Paul Wiehl said.
“He caused a lot of problems and it is good that he is now out of the running,” Wiehl said, adding the next step is to find ways to prevent future terrorist attacks.
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