New Jersey Residents, Officials React: Osama bin Laden Dead

The news of Osama bin Laden's death spread rapidly across New Jersey on Sunday evening, despite the late hour.

Reaction was swift and almost universal: Exultation that one of the United States' most elusive foes was dead, and dead as a result of U.S. action.

"I think it's just a great time for America," said Bloomfield Mayor Raymond McCarthy. "The United States is so committed to our safety, that you can hurt and kill us, but we're gonna come back and get you. I think that's the message that was sent out last night."

In an extraordinary address, President Obama interrupted almost every U.S. TV channel to announce the news. While he did not provide details, he said that the U.S. has been tracking bin Laden for months and finally located him in a residence in Pakistan. After a firefight, the president said, bin Laden was killed, with no loss of U.S. lives.

Three Bloomfield residents were killed in the 9/11 attacks: Cesar A. Alviar, 60; Catherine A. Nardella, 40; and Daniel Rossetti, 32.

McCarthy was at Bloomfield High School for "Government Day" this morning, and he said the students were overjoyed by last night's news.

"They're all enthused - they see our country coming up again as a leader in the free world," said McCarthy.

One former BHS graduate (class of 2003), who did not wish to be named, reflected on what the death of bin Laden means for Americans.

"It does bring some closure to Americans and people who were affected by 9/11," he said. "I think it shows that we're not going to give up. We had a goal. And however long it took, we never lost sight of that goal."

The resident, who lives on Willard Avenue, recalled watching the Twin Towers crumble from his attic window. He said he was taking yearbook portraits at Bloomfield High School when he heard the devastating news on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Of course (it's hard)," said Emma Alviar, 87, sister of Cesar Alviar, when reached at her Bloomfield home early Monday morning.

Gov. Chris Christie issued a statement early Monday regarding news bin Laden had been killed.

"There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered," he said. "While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."

The office of Sen. Robert Menendez issued a statement, praising U.S. efforts in bringing the 9/11 mastermind to justice.

"Although Osama Bin Laden’s demise will not end terrorist threats, his death is a significant blow to the leadership of the al-Qaeda organization and sends the message that the U.S. will find, destroy and dismantle al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that seek to threaten the United States and its citizens at home or abroad," he said early Monday.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg also issued a statement, saying, "People across the civilized world will have great satisfaction and relief with news of the death of Osama bin Laden, one of the worst killers in the history of man."