Representatives React to bin Laden Killing: 'There is a Lot More Work to Do'

State Rep. Pam DeLissio, who as Pennsylvania's 194th District representative serves parts of Manayunk and Roxborough, said that while she celebrates last night's news that 9/11 architect Osama bin Laden was killed by US military personnel in a firefight in a suburb of Islamabad, she urges her constituents to realize that the fight against terrorism isn't over.

"The news is outstanding. It's outstandingly good news. It's a major benchmark and goal that's been achieved, but there is clearly a lot more work to do," the first-term representative told Patch.

"Let's take a moment to recognize the accomplishment as we should, recognize it for what it is--a significant accomplishment--but also realize that there is a lot more work to do, and that we need to be vigilant. We actually need to be hyper-vigilant. Our reaction to the news is very spontaneous and very good, but out there, there will also be other spontaneous reactions that may be devastating."

DeLissio said that despite the widespread fear that the killing of bin Laden will provoke acts of violence against Muslims and possibly incite retaliatory action from Muslims sympathetic to al-Qaida (the Philadelphia Police Department ismosques and synagogues hourly to prevent such violence), she is confident her constituents are safe.

"I have confidence in the city of Philadelphia's police department. I know that they are on high alert and that they will respond and operate accordingly. I urge everyone to go about their business. We've all had a responsibility since 2001 to be vigilant and be aware of our surroundings, and that continues," she said.

DeLissio added that although she lost no friends or loved ones in the attacks of Sept. 11, she has a brother who is a colonel in the Army reserves and is grateful, especially today, for the sacrifices he and other service members and their families have made.

"My brother is actually down in Fort Lee in Virginia as we speak addressing his command responsibilities. I continuously thank those that serve--personally I thank them. My brother was deployed six years ago, and I understand personally and first hand that that deployment affects everybody--everybody has a role. I'm very proud of all of our folks in uniform and their families."

US Representative Chaka Fattah, a Democrat who represents Pennsylvania's second District, and echoed DeLissio's sentiments.

"Justice has been served," he said in a statement. "Our thanks to the brave men and women who serve in our military and security forces who put their lives on the line in the successful pursuit of the mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks."

Senator Bob Casey (D) also released a statement emphasizing the impact the events of 9/11 and their aftermath have had on Pennsylvania families and the closure bin Laden's death has provided them.

"On September 11th, Pennsylvania was directly impacted by Al Qaeda when Flight 93 was downed over Shanksville. In the nearly ten years after September 11th, Pennsylvania has lost 68 troops in Afghanistan and hundreds have been injured. The sacrifice of those families who lost loved ones on September 11th and in the following years can never be made whole, but I hope that the death of bin Laden can help to bring some closure," said Casey.