Most Americans Feel "Relieved" and "Proud" of bin Laden's Killing

Although there has been recent controversy from international organizations regarding the legality of Osama bin Laden’s killing by U.S. Navy SEALs, most Americans feel “happy” and “proud” that US forces accomplished the murder operation in retaliation to bin Laden and Al Qaeda’a September 11 attacks.

These findings come from an overnight survey of 654 adults, gathered and organized by the Pew Research Center for the People and The Washington Post regarding feelings on the death of Osama bin Laden.

72% of those surveyed expressed feeling “relieved”, 60% said the feel “proud” and 58% claimed they feel “happy”. A much smaller percentage of 16% said they feel “afraid”.

But for others, like Cheryl Desmais of Millburn, NJ, whose husband died in the September 11 attacks, the feeling is more bittersweet.

When asked by Verona-Cedar Grove Patch news about bin Laden's death, Desmais responded, "You know I'm not sure what the right word is. 'Happy' is a funny word to use. But this is the man responsible for my husband's death. This needed to be done. They needed to capture him or kill him and I'm glad they have. I think it's a huge blow to terrorism."