Harrison Reacts to the Death of a Terror Icon

From relief and joy to early skepticism, local reactions offered plenty of takes on the reported death of Osama bin Laden, the man widely believed to be the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

President Barack Obama announced late Sunday that a small group of Americans killed bin Laden during a 40-minute firefight inside a building complex in Pakistan. The news sparked large rallies in Washington, D.C. and New York City, as many celebrated the death of the man held ultimately responsible for the deaths of more than 3,000 Americans almost 10 years ago.

"I was so happy that we finally got him," said Kristin Pacicca, 43, of Harrison, who said her cousin is a firefighter in New York City who was at the scene in the days following 9/11. Her father was less than two blocks away when the towers fell, but survived. "It's a very good thing, it boosts the morale up, knowing that we finally got the most wanted man in America — or the world."

Rose Malizia, 54, who lives in Putnam County and works in Harrison, said a friend of hers from work was in an elevator shaft in the World Trade Center when the first tower fell, killing him. She said the events that day affected almost everyone in the region in some way.

"A lot of people where we lived you might not actually know someone, but you hear about them," she said. "It affected a lot of people."

Although Malizia said she won't be a part of any public celebrations or rallies, the news of bin Laden's death was something she was pleased to hear.

"I'm glad he's gone. You really don't want to say (it) or feel that way, but you do," she said. "If it stops anything worse from happening I think it's a good thing."

Although bin Laden's death is certainly a blow to al Qaeda, it is not expected to topple the terrorist group. Robert Castelli, who represtents Harrison in the 89th NYS Assembly District cautioned that the United States still has challenges ahead.

“While this is a relief to all freedom-loving people around the world, we must realize that while bin Laden was the spiritual head of Al Qaeda, its strategic and tactical commander, Ayman Al-Zawahiri, is still alive and at large,” Castelli said. “The war on terror will continue, but it is important to note that this is not a war against Islam, but a war against terrorists who prey upon everyone, including innocent Muslims, Christians and Jews alike.”

Pacicca noted attacks in places outside of U.S. borders after 9/11 as another reason bin Laden's death is, in her opinion, a cause for celebration.

"After what he's done to other countries besides us he deserves what he gets," she said.

Bin Laden's body has reportedly been buried at sea, in accordance with Islamic customs that require burial as quickly as possible. Tom Misciagna, 51, a construction worker from New Jersey said he's skeptical that bin Laden is even dead, but said that if he has been killed the U.S. should have kept the body.

"Why would they observe Islamic law when the guy is a criminal?," he asked. "He's the most wanted guy in the world and they gave him an option to give up or not, why wouldn't you bring the body back?"

Martha Hanson, a teacher at Parons Elementary School who lives in New York City, said she wishes bin Laden could have been captured and brought back alive. She said she is against capital punishment, but understands there are other issues involved that prevented a capture from taking place.

The news of bin Laden's reported death comes only months before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Although the news has been celebrated throughout most of the country, several people in Harrison Monday said they wish the al Quada leader was caught years ago.

"If we could have gotten him back when Bush was the president, when he told everbody he's wanted dead or alive, you can run but you can't hide — that would have been impressive," said Misciagna, while leaving a construction site near Halstead Avenue. "It's 10 years later, it's almost anti-climatic."

Regardless of the timing, the reported death of the al Qauda leader with a face that will be forever associated with the one of the darkest days in U.S. history, was good news for most on Monday.

"It just caught me by surprise," said Bob Magnetti, 54, of Harrison. "I felt relief for the people that died down there."

Of the more than 3,000 people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks four people lived in Harrison, West Harrison or Purchase. Richard Hall, 49, Thomas Hohlweck Jr., 57, Gary Koecheler, 57, and Marc Zeplin, 33, died in the World Trade Center that day.