Obama Announces Osama bin Laden Is Dead
May 2, 2011
An intelligence-driven U.S. operation in Pakistan killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden yesterday, President Barack Obama announced in a nationally televised address from the White House late last night.
“Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan,” Obama said. “A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability.
“No Americans were harmed,” he continued. “They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.”
Obama noted that bin Laden had been al-Qaida’s leader and symbol for more than 20 years and continued to plot attacks against the United States and its allies.
“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaida, yet his death does not mark the end of our effort,” Obama said. “There is no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must, and we will, remain vigilant at home and abroad.”
The president revealed that shortly after taking office in January 2009, he ordered CIA Director Leon E. Panetta to make bin Laden’s death or capture the top priority of the U.S. war against the al-Qaida terrorist organization.
“Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground,” he said. The president said he met repeatedly with his national security team as information developed indicating bin Laden was at a compound in Pakistan, and that last week he determined enough information was available and authorized the operation.
The president emphasized that the war against al-Qaida is not a war against Islam.
“Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader,” he said. “He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al-Qaida has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”
Counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped in finding bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding, the president said.
“Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called [Pakistani] President [Asif Ali] Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations, and going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al-Qaida and its affiliates.”
The president praised those who worked to find bin Laden and those who carried out the operation that killed him.
“Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who’ve worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome,” he said. “The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice.
“We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation,” he continued, “for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September day.”
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
for NorthEscambia.com
Pictured: Pres. Barack Obama announces Sunday night during a televised speech that Osama bin Laden is dead. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Facebook Friend Reaction: Osama Bin Laden Dead
May 2, 2011
After the announcement Sunday night that terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden was dead, we asked our Facebook friends what they thought. A sampling of the responses are below.
You can join in the discussion in our comment section at the bottom of the article, or click here to join our thousands of Facebook friends.
- “It is great news; a real morale builder. Great job by our troops; way to go! Now is it time to bring our troops home? The mission seems to be accomplished, Mr. President.” — Scobie Wilcoxon, Sr., McDavid
- “I think the troops should receive the credit THEY deserve not Obama & I think America needs to have its guard up for retaliation…he didn’t do it alone, he was just the ‘head clown.’ — Jackie Morgan, Barrineau Park
- “I have always supported our troops sorry it took so long, but Thank God it is over. Sorry for the families who have lost so much. I think they should burn his body at Ground Zero so some maybe able to put closure to what they lost. He does not even deserve a proper burial.” — Kimberlie Miller, Molino
- “The mission is not over, there will be retaliation and more lives lost. We just (expletive) off a whole bunch of his followers but the fight will sill be worth it! God Bless America.” — Sara Lowery, East Brewton
- I am an Air Force wife whose husband is in Afghanistan. Even though we miss him so much, I am so thankful for men like him who leave their families to fight and keep us safe.” — Emily White, Flomaton
- “Good,good,good…I do worry of his followers cauing problems so continue to pray to keep troops safe and for them to capture Osama’s top men and come home safe. This has been a long journey for all men/women serving and the spouses/moms/dads/aunts/uncles.” — Jennifer Peebles, McDavid
- “Have you hugged a soldier today?” — Susan Langston, Pensacola
- “I guess, at a minimum, this at least gives a little bit of justice to the friends and loved ones I/we have lost for what seemed to be a lost cause. Kudos to all who have served, suffered and lost for the greater good. I only hope this brings some closure to the families and friends of the American Soldier, Sailor, and Marine.” — John G. Jones, Atmore
- “What a great day for America & our Wonderful military! Thank You Bush because if it wasn’t for him this never would happen! Sad thing is what will America have to go thru now that this Evil man is in fact dead?” — Lindy Broome, Molino
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“I think it is wonderful. The celebration at the White House is also great. I know there are many families who lost someone during 9/11 or lost someone in the military since who feel a huge joy over this. We all know that there could be some following problems, but for now lets rejoice at something we have all been waiting for since 9/11. Obama has proven to be a great President, but we need to remember he did not do this alone.” — Pennie Wright, Atmore
- “Nah, I disagree. Bush had nothing to do with this. Any president would have done what he did. He just happened to be president when it actually happened. Not to demean the man, but that was pure coincidence.” – John B. Jones, Atmore
- “Good Job to our troops!!!” — Brandi Mattheiss, Cantonment
- “I also am a veteran. We have to continue to take the fight to them.” — Casey Pritchett, Century
- “There are so many things to be said…. But put simply, It was all in God’s timing and I praise the Lord that this war wasn’t in vain. We need to be in prayer now more than ever for our nation, our military and each other. I thank God for my loved one’s that have served and are serving to make this day possible.” — Melanie Dix, Walnut Hill
- “I feel like the rest of the nation does right now. I feel like singing “God Bless America”, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and shooting off fireworks…It took almost 10 yrs, but it has been done.” — Rhonda Corley, Cantonment
- “As a Navy wife facing my husbands first deployment soon I am relieved that there is one less thing for me to worry about and I think we are finally starting to see a faint glimmer of light at the end of this war. This is one giant step towards bringing our men and women home. Thanks to our troops who are still putting it all on the line everyday to keep us here in the US safe your are doing an amazing job keep up the fight .” — Lindsay Rector, Bratt native in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Blog: Where Were You That September Morning?
May 2, 2011
We had several requests Sunday night for a blog that we published back on September 11. With the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden, we felt it an appropriate time to rerun this blog post from September 11. Your thoughts and comments are welcome below.
September 11, 2001. It’s been nine years. We’ll all ask each other, “where were you”. So here’s my story.
Life, at least when that morning began, seemed good. I’ve always been a work at home dad, so I was home with my two girls. The youngest was almost four months old, and the oldest was approaching her fourth birthday. It was a normal morning. The little one was asleep, “fat and happy” as we used to say, after a morning bottle. The oldest was in the living room just a few feet from my office watching PBS Kids on the TV as I worked on a project for a client.
Then this arrived in my inbox:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 08:52am– World trade center damaged; unconfirmed reports say a plane has
crashed into tower. Details to come.
I got up, walked to the living room and flipped the TV to CNN. They were talking about how a pilot could make such an error, hitting such a large building. They were speculating that it was just a small plane. But then as the TV news helicopters zoomed their cameras in closer, the anchors were beginning to notice what I had already thought….those holes the tower were to big to have been a small plane.
I called my wife at work in Atmore. She had seen the breaking news email, and had tried to visit the CNN website to see the story. If you remember trying to use the internet that morning, it was near impossible to get a news website to load; they were all overloaded. She was unable to see the pictures. I was describing what I saw on the TV to her.
I managed to grab a picture from CNN via my web server and then download and email it to her. We were speculating about how it could happen when the second one hit.
I remember saying “wait, hold on, wait…”. I told her what I just watched on the TV. The second plane had hit the other tower. We quickly decided that we were at war as the anchors on TV speculated again that perhaps there was a problem with some navigational system, causing jetliners on a beautiful, clear morning in New York to fly into some of the tallest structures in the world.
Another breaking news email arrived:
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:21am– Second plane crashes into World Trade Center.
She and I began to speculate ourselves that we were at war. What would we do? What should we do? What about the kids? It was not panic, understand, but just that protective momma and daddy instinct, I suppose. Prayer. That was a good idea. Maybe go to the bank and get out a little cash. That seemed like a good idea. How would you prep for a war on American soil? We were not sure.
I continued to relay information about what I was seeing on TV to my wife at work, who, in turn, would relay the information to her coworkers. They had a TV, but no cable service or antenna. They ended up fashioning a homemade antenna to see a fuzzy picture.
Meanwhile, the breaking news emails kept arriving…
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:32am– Sources tell CNN one of two planes that crashed into World Trade
Center was an American Airlines 767.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:42am– President Bush calls plane crashes at World Trade Center a
terrorist act.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:45am– Significant fire at the Pentagon. Details to come.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:46am– White House evactuated. Details to come.
The Pentagon on fire? The White House evacuated? Notice that in CNN’s email they were in such a hurry that they misspelled “evacuated”. One sentence at a time, the situation became more grave.
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 09:55am– CNN confirms a plane hit the Pentagon
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:03am– One of World Trade Center towers collapses; fire forces
evacuation of State Department
Subject: CNN Breaking News
From: BreakingNews@CNN.COM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2001 10:30am– Second World Trade Center tower collapses in Manhattan
Over and over, we watched those towers collapse on TV, and we watched our Pentagon burn.
Our almost four year old asked a lot of questions. “Were people hurt? Did they need a Band-aid?” The magnitude of the event was lost on a four year old. Looking back at those first few hours, I think the magnitude of the event was lost on all of us.
Like many Americans, I sat glued to the TV that day, continuing to watch the video of the towers falling. Our almost four year old asked if another building fell down or if it was the same one. It was time to change the channel on the TV.
You might remember that many of the entertainment TV stations ran network news feeds. Others just simply ran screens about the day’s events. There was no USA network, no ESPN, no MTV. But on PBS, we found children’s programming at a time it was not normally on. For a little while, sitting in the living room floor holding my kids, the world stopped turning that September day, as we watched Big Bird and the Cookie Monster.
Country artist Alan Jackson later wrote a song “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?”.
Some of those lyrics:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cryDid you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left belowBut I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
Where where you when the world stopped turning that September day? Your comments are welcome below.
Congressman Jeff Miller Statement On Osama’s Death
May 2, 2011
Shortly after Pres. Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden. Congressman Jeff Miller released the following statement Sunday night:
“Tonight’s confirmation of the killing of Osama Bin Laden by a United States operation is a significant development in the Global War on Terror.
This is a particularly profound moment for the American people. We will never forget those who lost their lives in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as those who lost their lives fighting terror in the field. Our brave men and women in uniform have neutered al Qaeda, and the death of Bin Laden is a significant, symbolic blow to the remnants of the terror network.
Bin Laden created and funded the al Qaeda terror network, which was responsible for numerous attacks including the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. As one of the first Members of Congress sworn in after the 9/11 attacks, and as Member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees who has traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan, I have focused on national defense and security issues. I am eternally grateful for our military and intelligence professionals who serve around the globe.
The death of Bin Laden does not mean the United States can let down its guard. We must remain diligent in the defense of our homeland and in the elimination of terrorist threats against America.”
Suspect Jailed In Hit And Run
May 2, 2011
A 20-year old wanted for murder in connection with a hit and run has been transferred to the Escambia County Jail.
Phillip Michael Chevalier of Cantonment was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on March 8 in St. Johns County, Florida. He’s facing a felony murder charge for the May 6, 2010, hit and run death of 23-year old Billy G. Beck III on Chemstrand Road in Escambia County.
Chevalier was transferred Saturday from the St. Johns County Jail to the Escambia County Jail were he was booked on charges of homicide, hit and run and a probation violation. He remains jailed without bond.
Beck, 23, was walking on Chemstrand Road when he was struck by at least three vehicles. Chevalier, identified by the Florida Highway Patrol as the driver of the first vehicle to strike Beck, fled the scene. Beck’s family maintained that foul play may have been involved in the crash; however there were few leads or witnesses, according to the FHP.
On February 27, Florida Highway Patrol investigators developed additional evidence that led to arrest warrants being issued for Chevalier for felony murder and leaving the scene of accident with death.
Regular Business Tonight For Century Town Council
May 2, 2011
During their regular meeting tonight, the Town of Century will consider seven resolutions and is set to award a contract to upgrade HVAC systems at three town buildings.
The seven resolutions will officially update town documents to keep the town complaint with grant audits.
For an agenda for tonight’s meeting, click here.
The Century Town Council will meet at 7 p.m at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Rain But No Big Storms Tuesday
May 2, 2011
By Tuesday, a cold front will bring rain, but the National Weather Service says the chance of severe storms in minimal with a chance of just isolated weak thunderstorms.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.
- Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45. North wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 10 mph.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Log A Load Bass Tourney To Benefit Children’s Hospital
May 2, 2011
The 15th annual charity Log A Load For Kids Bass Tournament is coming up this weekend to benefit Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
The event will take place Saturday, May 7 at the Swamp House Marina and Landing in Pensacola with $10,000 in guaranteed prize money, including a $3,000 first place prize.
Entry fees are $120 by May 6 or $140 day of the tournament for a two person team. Pre-register at A-1 Accessories/Small Engines on Highway 29 in Cantonment. For more information, click here for a tournament flyer.
UPDATED: Woman Shot At Hwy 29 Convenience Store; North Escambia Man Questioned
May 1, 2011
(Updated 3:30 p.m.) A woman was shot outside a Highway 29 convenience store this morning, and a North Escambia man is been questioned as a suspect.
Jennifer E. Gilbert, 22, of Pensacola, was shot outside the Circle K and Wendy’s on Highway 29 at Kingsfield Road just after 9 a.m. She was shot in the head while seated in her car. Gilbert reportedly did not work at the store or restaurant.
Reports early Sunday afternoon indicated that Gilbert had died, but a press release issued by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office mid-afternoon Sunday indicated that she remained in critical condition.
Sheriff’s investigators are questioning 30-year old Isreal Marell Taylor of Bateson Lane, Cantonment, as a suspect in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office news release.
More details will be posted when they are released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Pictured above: A female was shot at the Circle K at Highway 29 and Kingsfield Road Sunday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Friends of the Library Book Sale Continues Sunday
May 1, 2011
It’s time to stock up on summer reading material, and the Friends of the Pensacola Public Library Spring Book Sale is the place to do it at a reasonable price this weekend.
The Book Sale will continue Sunday at First United Methodist Church Wright Place, 80 E. Wright Street in downtown Pensacola, and will offer thousands of gently used hardcover and paperback books, CDs and DVDs. Most range in price from 25 cents to $3. It also will feature a “Collectors’ Corner” and silent auction to showcase the more valuable books, Chairwoman Meredith McCarthy said.
On Sunday, hours are noon to 3 p.m. No admission is charged, and a bag of books can be purchased for $5.
All proceeds from the sale go to support the West Florida Public Library system, including the Century Branch Library.
For more details, call McCarthy at (850) 341-1434.
Pictured: Volunteers work to prepare for the Friends of the Pensacola Public Library Spring Book Sale at Wright Place in downtown Pensacola. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.