Osama bin Laden Dead

Almost ten years following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, Osama bin Laden is dead. For over two decades, he has led the al Qaeda terrorist network. Osama Bin Laden’s death brings relief to many Americans, and to all those who lost loved ones in their attacks.

Muslims have been the greatest numerical casualty to al Qaeda. From 2006-2008 alone, it’s been reported by The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point that 98% of al Qaeda victims were from Muslim-majority countries. We come together today as a global community and recognize the importance of this event. As President Obama emphasized in a statement last night, we also recognize that the United States is not at war with Islam. “Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader he was a mass murderer of Muslims,” President Obama said.

As the war on terror continues, let us continue to remember this important distinction. To read a full transcript of the President’s statement delivered Sunday, May 1, visit the White House blog here.