Residents Respond to News of Bin Laden's Death

People across America were cheering the news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Quaeda, Sunday.

Local residents were also reacting to the news saying that it was overdue and it's a hot topic of discussion.

Edward Sabotka, Sr. Vice Commander of  American Legion Post 36 in Windsor Locks, said Bin Laden’s death is a long time in coming.

“I think it’s a great thing,” Sabotka said. “I think it’s retribution. I can’t see why anyone would do what he did. I guess it takes all kinds of people to make a world."

Sabotka, a World War II veteran, said his grandson Daniel is being deployed to Afghanistan in a Stryker Force. His grandson has been in the military for 15 years and was previously deployed to Iraq.

Sabotka said he and his family are concerned every time Daniel is on deployment.

“They’re still killing people over there,” Sabotka said.

Students and faculty at East Windsor High School were discussing the news, Principal Liam O’Reilly said.

“We’re definitely addressing it as a pretty significant event that has happened,” O’Reilly said. “We’re allowing free discussions in the classroom, to the best of our ability. We’re watching the same media outlets as everyone else.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning for “enhanced potential for anti-American violence” to American travelers and those living abroad. As of 11 a.m. Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had not issued any National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) alerts.

East Windsor Police Chief Edward DeMarco Jr. said while that there had been no alert about this area his police department works in conjunction state homeland security department to keep abreast of any concerns.

DeMarco said Monday morning it was too early to really react to Sunday’s news.

“It’s still just settling in,” DeMarco said.

Windsor Locks Police Captain Chester DeGray said his department had not received any concerns or alerts about threats or heightened security in the area Monday.