By Eduardo Calderon | Staff Writer
On May 2nd, one of America’s most wanted felons was assassinated by US Navy Seals.
“A man that devised a plan to kill Americans, and hates all Americans now no longer walks this earth,” junior Maximilian Salmeron said.
As the leader of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden planned a terrorist attack on United States soil.
“He killed 3,000 free Americans whose only crime was going to work in the morning to support their families,” history teacher Eric Wetmore said.
The relatives of the victims of 9/11 can finally feel something that has been long overdue.
“They can have closure: a sigh of relief with his death,” Wetmore said, “But nothing will bring them back.”
With bin Laden’s death, many Americans have a joyous feeling inside of them.
“[I feel] ecstatic; elated with the news of his death,” Wetmore said.
Other Americans feel awkward because of such celebration.
“It’s kinda disturbing that everyone is celebrating his death. I mean, he was human like all of us,” junior Jordan Brittingham said.
Despite the two conflicting emotions, many remain focused on al-Qaeda and the future of terrorist activities in the wider world.
“Now, with no leader, they’re uncontrollable. They had something of direction with Osama, but now, we have no clue what they will do,” senior Benjamin Rodriguez said.
The death of one of the world’s most notorious terrorists could not come at a better time for the United States in the war on terrorism.
“It is good to see him dead, and it’s great for the USA,” Rodriguez said.
With such great news, the United States government has to be on their toes as they size up threats of revenge.
“There is no celebration for the government, because there could be retaliation from [other terriorist groups],” Wetmore said.
The death of Osama bin Laden will have lasting meaning for individuals the world over.
“The death is symbolic, because you can do bad things, and it may take time, but we will get you in the end,” Wetmore said.
