What Local Leaders Are Saying About bin Laden's Death

President Barack Obama on Sunday announced that American forces had killed terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Bin Laden was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks that killed thousands of Americans nearly a decade ago.

Here's how some local leaders have reacted:

Gov. Jerry Brown

"Tonight, Americans can be grateful that President Obama brought bin Laden to justice. Our friends as well as our adversaries throughout the world can be assured of America's resolve in combating terrorism and protecting the values of democracy and freedom."

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders

“I couldn’t be prouder of the Navy SEALs for their incredible heroism in hunting down Osama bin Laden. In San Diego, of course, the military is ingrained in the city’s very identity. The servicemen and women with ties to the city have spent the past decade making utterly extraordinary sacrifices to win the war on terror. On behalf of all San Diegans, I offer my profound congratulations to the Navy SEALs for their historic accomplishment. I also congratulate all those service members and other professionals whose daily sacrifices help keep this nation safe.”

State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego), District 75

“I commend the men and women of our armed forces and intelligence communities for their bravery, commitment, and courage. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude ... As a Marine veteran, who has served our country in the War on Terror, I feel a tremendous amount of pride today for the United States. This is a victory for our country, for those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001, and for every person who believes in peace, freedom and security. There is nothing that will ever eliminate violence and evil fully from our world, but last night America proved that no matter how long it takes, justice can prevail.”

State Sen. Joel Anderson (R), District 36

"Thank God for the brave men and women in the United States armed forces. Bin Laden's death brings a small amount of justice for 9/11 victims, but he was only one of many threats to our nation's security. We must continue to be vigilant every day."

U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Solana Beach), District 50

"The United States of America has achieved a great victory by killing Osama bin Laden nearly a decade after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Former President Bush, President Obama, the men and women of the armed forces, and especially the United States special forces should be commended for their bravery and determination to seek justice no matter how long it takes."

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), District 49

"Osama bin Laden's death at the hands of American forces is a fitting end to the world's most notorious terrorist. While we celebrate this accomplishment and express our thanks for the efforts of our military, intelligence agencies, diplomatic corps and allies we must remain mindful that other dangerous terrorists still remain at large. The killing of bin Laden should serve as a reminder that those who engage in terrorism should not expect to meet justice at a day in court, but rather at any second of any night wherever they may try to hide. It is also a reminder of tragic losses caused by terrorism and an important time to keep victims and others who have suffered in our prayers."

San Diego City Councilman Kevin Faulconer, District 2

"We San Diegans know how brave and determined our troops are. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of our President. I'm proud to be an American." (via Twitter @Kevin_Faulconer)

 San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria, District 3

"THANK YOU to the men and women who have worked and sacrificed for years to make this day possible. As our President said, justice has been done." (via Facebook)

San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio, District 5

"Today we celebrate justice delivered. Our country pledged to hold Osama bin Laden accountable, and we have kept our word to the victims and families of 9/11. Praise to the men and women of our armed forces for getting the job done!" (via Facebook)

California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro

"All Americans stand together tonight pleased and in relief that one of history's worst villains has finally met an appropriate end. While this does not mean that the world is free of the terror he came to represent, I applaud the dedication of our military for seeing this part of the mission to a successful end. I hope for all the world that this important victory means that the course of the War on Terror has changed irrevocably towards the forces of justice and freedom."

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon), District 52

"Bin Laden’s death is an important benchmark in what will continue to be a dangerous fight against an enemy that is committed to our destruction. Justice has been served, but the overall threat still remains.

In Afghanistan, Marines and soldiers fully understand that news of bin Laden’s death does not mean a sudden change in the danger they face or the mission at hand. Taliban and al Qaeda forces are showing no signs of relenting, making it all the more important that we hold the gains achieved so far and continue attacking the enemy with speed and force." (via a May 2 editorial in The Washington Times)

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @RBPatch.