We here @ Heed know that we’re not the first source for news, but we’d be remiss in not mentioning the most important story thus far this year — the death of Osama Bin Laden.
President Obama addressed the nation late last night after various news sources leaked the late breaking news that Osama Bin Laden had, in fact, been killed by U.S. forces. It appears Bin Laden was holed up in a million-dollar compound 60 miles outside of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Four helicopters moved in on the luxury hideout at 1:15 am local time, causing Bin Laden’s guards to open fire from the roof. One of those choppers was hit during the raid; however, U.S. officials report no American casualties. Roughly 26 Navy Seals dropped into the house, where they discovered Bin Laden. He was given the option to surrender but refused. Following a 40-minute shoot-out, Bin Laden died via a bullet to the head. His body has been buried at sea.
Following the revelation, crowds gathered across the country and the world. Rejoicing began at the gates of the White House, where locals convened prior to President Obama’s announcement, many showing up as soon the news of bin Laden’s death was leaked.
In the midst of a Mets/Phillies game, chants of “USA” broke out as the news swept across the stadium:
Crowds also converged in Times Square:
And at Ground Zero, family members of those killed in the 9/11 attacks gathered to celebrate the death of the man who had been so instrumental in causing the deaths of their own:
Twitter erupted with the news:
But as those celebrations rang out across the world, the reminder that this isn’t yet over runs, a dark undercurrent to the waves of rejoicing. President Obama reminding the nation during his speech that, “”His death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant.” Minutes later, U.S. embassies worldwide were put on high alert as the State Department issued travel warnings for all Americans abroad. A top al-Qaida ideologue posted on extremist websites both a eulogy for bin Laden and a promise of revenge. He also posted that anyone who might think this fight is over just had to “wait a little bit.”
As we celebrate the psychological victory of America over the largest terrorist figurehead we’ve known, we must also remember that this may just be the beginning. The question now remains: what does this mean for the future of our armed forces, or for America at large?
