Griswold residents react to Osama bin Laden's death

Frank Makara, of Jewett City.

News of the capture and death of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, reached eastern Connecticut on May 1, after a late Sunday announcement by President Barack Obama. We asked local residents in Charlene's Diner and Arremony's Bakery, both on Main Street in Jewett City, their reactions to the news.

Elaine Makara, Jewett City:

“I have mixed emotions. I'm glad he's dead, but I would have liked to have him in jail so he could think about the terrible things he did and live in misery. But he's done, and I'm glad they got him.”

Frank Makara, Jewett City, a Navy veteran of World War II:

“All I can say is that the [Navy] SEALs [who carried out the mission] did a great job. You've got to give them credit. That was a tough job.”

Susan Langlois, Griswold:

“All I can say is it's good he's dead. I think it's going to have an impact [on national security], probably not for the good. We all seem to forget certain things [about safety], and it all flows down. I'm pretty sure this is not the end of it. You think it's the end and you let your guard down. But I think we're smarter than that.”

Bill Robinson, Preston, a WWII vet:

“I'm happy to a degree, but I'm really concerned about the repercussions. He was really a figurehead – there are plenty of others [terrorists]. We have to be doubly vigilant now. I think we should be doubly alert.”

Ted Boule, Griswold, a veteran of the Korean conflict:

“I think the Pakistani government probably knew where [bin Laden] was for quite a while. [President] Obama did the right thing to make sure that the body was intact [to comply with Islamic strictures] and to get the DNA. Now we've got other world leaders we've got to take care of.”

Ben Hull, Jewett City:

“With all the pain that guy caused, this seemed to be an easy way out. [The burial at sea was good] – you can't put a monument out on the ocean. They said [on the news] that he was protecting himself with women. That's terrible.”

Dawn Newman, Griswold:

“I'm happy about the fact that he died. I'm just sorry it took so long. I think also that this is closure for people who lost so many lives in 9-11. It doesn't bring back their loved ones, but it helps. That was such a senseless act of terrorism, but I truly know that terrorism is not over. In fact, I already know they've upped the security at the airports since [bin Laden's death] happened.”