Council member Oliver Koppell (District 11-D) responded to the death of Osama bin Laden today saying in a phone interview, “I think we are all glad that he’s no longer with us. This is a man who is both a terrible person and was a continuous threat because of the influence he has with Al-Qaeda and Islamic militants.”

Koppell added, “I think the fact is that it’s taken much too long [for Osama bin Laden to be captured or killed].” He also acknowledged his concern with the Pakistanis, noting their failure to capture bin Laden.

Koppell applauded the Obama administration and said, “it’s another indication of the leadership and the effectiveness of President Obama. Bush couldn’t do it in eight years and Obama has now done it in a little more than two.”

Koppell added, “hopefully this will help bring closure to this nightmare,” for families in the Bronx who lost loved ones in the September 11 attacks.

Council member Koppell represents District 11, which encompasses Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Woodlawn, Norwood, parts of Bedford Park, Wakefield and Bronx Park East.