Community Corner

Residents and Police Chief Sound Off on Death of Osama bin Laden

Manalapan and Englishtown victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks have been avenged by the assassination of Osama bin Laden.

The news of Osama bin Laden's death spread rapidly across New Jersey on Sunday evening, despite the late hour.

Reaction was swift and almost universal: Exultation that one of the United States' most elusive foes was dead, and dead as a result of U.S. action.

In an extraordinary address, President Obama interrupted almost every U.S. TV channel to announce the news (see attached video). While he did not provide details, he said that the U.S. has been tracking bin Laden for months and finally located him in a residence in Pakistan. After a firefight, the president said, bin Laden was killed, with no loss of U.S. lives. 

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"I want to commend President Obama's Administration for its commitment and dedication to finally bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism," said Govenor Chris Christie in a released statement. "There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered."

Governor Christie acknowledged a justice and closure found in the death of bin Laden. "While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."

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Manalapan and Englishtown residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011 include: 

  • Daniel Thomas Afflito, 32
  • Louis Aversano Jr., 58
  • Steven H. Berger, 45
  • Dominick E. Calia, 40
  • Albert Conde, 62
  • James V. Deblase, 42
  • Patrick Joseph Driscoll, 70
  • Salvatore A. Fiumefreddo, 47
  • Salvatore Gitto,  44
  • Christopher Stewart Gray, 32
  • Thomas McCann, 46
  • Joseph Plumitallo, 45

"My reaction was, I'm sure the same as all Americans, in being proud of our armed forces and anti-terrorism professionals. I, like most people, know people who were directly affected by the events of September 11th," Manalapan Township Police Chief, Captain Louis Moreto, said.

"I think the world will know that no matter how long it takes America will seek justice when they murder our citizens and that we will vigilantly protect our freedoms," Captain Moreto added.

In regards to security precautions, Moreto said, "we will not discuss any security issues that we take on a regular basis, nor what actions we take during incidents such as this. I am proud of our presidents, past and present, to bring justice and provide comfort to the families of victims who suffered losses during these terrorist attacks."

Englishtown resident Bob Dutcher, manager of County Seat Tobacco in Freehold, said he felt safer knowing bin Laden was dead but was concerned about retaliation from his followers.

"I worry still about what the repurcussions are but overall I think we're safe," Dutcher said.

The September 11th Memorial located within the Manalapan Municipal Arboretum was constructed in 2003. The 7-feet tall towers made of blue granite represent the twin towers, according to News Transcript.  The names of all Manalapan residents who died within the towers are transcribed on a black granite wall situated between the granite towers. 

A pentagon-shaped fountain stands in the middle of the memorial. And a separate plaque in honor of Patrick Joseph Driscoll is mounted on a large rock; Driscoll, a long-time resident of Manalapan, was on flight United 93. 

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