Woburn Responds to Reports of Bin Laden's Death

With much of the country glued to their televisions and Twitter feeds, the city of Woburn responded to reports of Osama bin Laden's death on our Woburn Patch Facebook page Sunday night. 

For many residents, the reports of bin Laden's death brought relief that a man who represented world terrorism was no longer a threat.

John Newman quickly posted, "Good riddance!" while Jim Burke followed with "It's about time."

Ron Chamberlain, a Woburn resident who has worked in public safety for years, said, "The nice version? God bless our troops!"

Sheila R. Toomey chimed in, saying, "So happy!"

But while many were elated by the news, others voiced concern over Americans' safety.

BarbaraLee Cooney said, "I'm afraid for the troops over there right now," and Annemarie Gangi agreed, saying, "I'm afraid of backlash."

"I am thinking the same thing, Annemarie," said Alison Foster. "I am slightly nervous about the backlash now, but happy that he's dead. Now time to bring home the troops."

In a statement to the American public, President Barack Obama announced bin Laden's death shortly after 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

In his statement, Pres. Obama said bin Laden was "responsible for the murder of thousands of men, women, and children." 

The president told the public that when he took office, he made "the killing or capture of bin Laden a priority." In August, Pres. Obama said the federal government had a lead on bin Laden's location.

According to the president, bin Laden was killed after a small firefight in Pakistan. Pres. Obama said that no Americans were harmed in the firefight, and care was taken to not injure civilians.

"Nearly 3,000 citizens were taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts," said Pres. Obama.

One of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001 was Robert E. Pattison, a 40-year-old former Woburn resident who was working on the 110th floor of the World Trade Center as a maintenance transmitter supervisor for WCBS. 

Pattison was honored with the "Bob's Bench" memorial at Lake Innitou on Arlington Road.  

Prior to Pres. Obama's speech, Julie Marshall said, "Close to 3,000 angels are celebrating in heaven tonight!" 

"Justice has been done," said Pres. Obama.