Broadneck Residents React to Osama bin Laden's Death

President Obama announced to the world last night that Osama bin Laden, the head of the terrorist group that claimed responsibility for attacks on September 11, 2001, was found and killed by U.S. Navy Seals while hiding in a Pakistani compound.

Citizens across the country and around the globe rejoiced, believing that justice has been served for the victims of 9/11 and for their families, while others express concern for retaliation in the future.

The unexpected news has resulted in a variety of emotions from those in the Broadneck area and from our public officials. Here are some comments that were shared with Broadneck Patch this morning.

"My brother-in-law, Capt. Bob Dolan, was killed in the Pentagon attack. My husband, Capt. Mark Tempestilli, was director of operations at the Naval Academy at the time. He had to secure the academy before he could find out about Bob. I got my kids from Broadneck Elementary and drove to Alexandria where Bob's family lived. On Route 50 and I-295, we were the only car and, as we got closer to DC, we could see the black smoke. My son Joey, age 6 at the time, asked me, 'Mommy what's that smell?' It was the smell of death. We didn't receive confirmation of Bob's death until the next week through DNA. A FBI agent searching the Pentagon for evidence found Bob's Naval Academy ring class of 1981. He never took it off so ... we knew he was gone. Our family has never been the same. RIP Capt. Robert Dolan ... the Navy Seals got him." —Mary Tempestilli

"Like all Americans, I remember that fateful day in September when our world was forever changed. Like all military spouses, I have sat up many nights worrying over the safety of my deployed husband. Like all mothers, I have been concerned over the volatile world my children were growing up in. Osama was the face of all of those fears and concerns. In the pursuing of this evil man and in the finality of his death, we as Americans, military spouses and parents can’t help but feel a strong sense of pride, vindication and relief. We feel as if we have now done something potentially crippling to the terrorist organization that has taken so much of America’s past, present and future." —Rebecca Cleary (Broadneck Patch contributor)

"I am very, very proud of our military and their dedication to protecting our country! I am very happy Osama can no longer harm anyone again, but on the other hand, I'm waiting for the backlash from his followers, and I am very nervous that my son is deploying right into the middle of it." —Laurie Garvey, whose son is set to deploy to Afghanistan next week

“This closes a sad and tragic chapter in our country and our world’s history. I commend the men and women of our Armed Forces and the dedicated public servants of our nation’s security agencies. This should be a day of reflection and prayer for a more peaceful future.” —Governor Martin O'Malley

“Last night, President Obama announced that American forces had killed terrorist and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. This is great news for the security of America, as well as for our troops at home and overseas who continue to protect us from terrorism every day. I want to thank and congratulate all of our men and women in the Armed Forces—their hard work and bravery made this possible. This is a great day for the United States of America.” —Congressman Andy Harris