Sound Off: Osama Bin Laden is 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.

Local residents are also reacting to the news: "I am so happy right now," said Alex Giaimo,  Rumson resident. Giaimo said she can not wait to talk to her boyfriend and RFH alum, Sean McDonald. McDonald is currently serving over seas. Giaimo's Facebook status on Sunday night read, "Never been so proud to be dating a marine."

Roberta Van Anda of Rumson said she stayed up all night watching the coverage. "I sat up last night glued to the television. I can only imagine how 9-11 families are feeling," she said.

Van Anda said that Rumson was hit extremely hard by the 9-11 attacks. "We had many in Rumson and Fair Haven young people just getting started on their lives. It was awful. I have 3 friends who lost sons and know many other families who lost loved ones."

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. 

"I want to commend President Obama's Administration for its commitment and dedication to finally bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism," said Govenor Chris Christie in a released statement. "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."

There are many Rumson and Fair Haven families who personally felt the affect of the 911 attacks. Local community members killed in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 include;

• James Martello, Rumson
• Keith Coleman, Rumson
• Keith McHeffey, Rumson
• Michael J McCabe, Rumson
• W David Bauer, Rumson
• Donald Walter Robertson, Jr., Rumson
• Glen Wall, Rumson
• Greg Malone, Rumson
• Michael Tucker, Rumson
• Karl Smith, Rumson
• Stephen Canaialosi, Rumson
• Todd D Pelino, Fair Haven
• Kaleen E Pezzuti, Fair Haven
• Ted Luckett, Fair Haven
• Ed McNally, Fair Haven

Governor Christie acknowledged a justice and closure found in the death of bin Laden. "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."

Fair Haven Mayor Michael Halface also hopes this will ease the pain of the families of those lost in the attacks. "I'm relieved he is finally gone and I hope his death brings some sense of closure to the families of the victims," said Halfacre.

"This is a great day for America," said Fair Haven Councilman Robert Marchese. "Thoughts and prayers as always are with the victims and their families. Hopefully, the families will now have closure on some level."

Marchese is in the process of planning to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11 by posting memorial street signs above the names of the streets on Hance Road. He said this is ever more important because "the day of September 11 must never be forgot because the heroes and victims of that day. Also because the fight against terrorism continues."

We are asking you to post your thoughts below about Sunday evening's news.

Noel Aliseo also contributed to this story.