President Bush Releases Statement on Osama bin Laden's Death
Former President George W. Bush, who now lives in the Dallas area, has released a statement following President Obama's announcement that Osama bin Laden is dead.
Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.
Reaction from Texas Lawmakers
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, posted a statement on Facebook:
"Our mission has always been to take down Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, the terrorist network that killed thousands of innocent Americans on September 11, 2001. That mission has now been accomplished through the patience and steadfast determination of our military, our intelligence officials, and the united leadership of Presidents Bush and Obama. Now we must continue to dismantle this and other terrorist networks that attempt to destroy freedom and human rights throughout the world."
Congressman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Chairman of the Homeland Security Oversight, Investigations & Management Subcommittee, released a statement on his website:
"While this is a historic day, Osama bin Laden will no doubt become immortalized in the eyes of al Qaeda and other radical Islamist groups that have continued to plot against us. Because of this I am concerned that the threat to the United States and to our presence overseas may escalate in the near term. Although we have not experienced mass loss of life in nearly 10 years, the United States has endured more than two dozen terror plots over just the past two years inspired by radicals who have followed in bin Laden's footsteps. Americans must remain vigilant. We must not ignore the threat that still exists."
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement this morning:
"Let this serve as a grave reminder to all those who wish to do our nation harm: If you murder Americans, you will be hunted, you will be found and you will be brought to justice. I commend the military and intelligence professionals whose tremendous efforts ended the reign of this terrorist mastermind.
Fort Hood Beefs Up Security
Fort Hood has increased security at its gates following the President’s announcement. A Fort Hood spokesman told KUT the Department of Defense has told all U.S. military installations to be on heightened alert.
UT Students Celebrate Osama bin Laden's Death
University of Texas students celebrated the news of Osama bin Laden's death along Guadalupe last night. Austin's KXAN TV has video of students celebrating in the street and reports many students found out about it through Facebook and Twitter.