Our representatives in Washington rejoiced in President Barack Obama’s Sunday night announcement that terrorist Osama bin Laden had been killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan. The Al Qaeda leader, who masterminded the 9-11 attacks almost 10 years ago, died in a firefight at a compound where he was sheltered in the city of Abbottabad.

Several local politicians of both parties issued press statements indicating that justice had been served. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, said Bin Laden’s death represented a “monumental triumph” for national security forces. 

“This is a fitting end for the face of global terrorism—an evil madman whose hatred of freedom and disregard for innocent human life knew no bounds,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta, a Republican, said the 3,000 people who lost their lives in attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001 had been “avenged” and that Bin Laden “received the justice he so richly deserved.”

“Bin Laden’s death was not an act of revenge; it was retribution. This evil man charted his course a long time ago; now his demise has fulfilled it,” Guinta said.

In Concord, Democratic Gov. John Lynch pointed out that 10 New Hampshire residents died in the 9-11 attacks, and thousands of others have fought in the war against terror. He said New Hampshire has “profoundly felt the impact of the attack.”

“Osama bin Laden will never again plot, support or in any way participate in an act of terror. That is welcome news for our state, our nation and the world,” he said.

But Shaheen ended her statement on a more somber note, warning that the fight against terror is far from over. She noted that Al Qaeda and its extremist allies still exist and said the nation must remain “vigilant.”

“Our battle against terrorism will continue, but a terrible and sad chapter in our country’s history is over,” she said.