Connecticut Commuters React With Relief To News Of bin Laden's Death

Connecticut commuters reacted with cautious relief Monday to news of the death of Osama bin Laden. Some say they’re concerned about a possible backlash.

Police look on as Connecticut commuters rush to catch trains at New Haven’s Union Station. Madison businessman Jim Morrissey says he’s not sure yet what Osama bin Laden’s death will mean for Americans.  

"It could be really positive and give the military a boost in morale and people could feel really good about it. Or it could go the other way and could make a martyr of him and change how the rest of the world is really looking at this thing. So I don’t know. Wait and see."

Lynn Citarella of New Haven said the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks transformed Americans’ daily lives.  

"What he did to our country and how he changed our life..unfortunately he will go down in history. (Where were you on 9/11?) I was in New York. Mid-town and I was one of the lucky ones. I came home. But it leaves you with a feeling that’s indescribable."

Kirk Ellis of Hartford was a student in Virginia at the time of the 9/11 attacks.  

"I had to watch it on television but I think it was a very down day for the country. (And today?) I think it’s a new day, a chance for us to really look back at what happened and realize that we did what we had to do as a country to make it right"

And Ellis says the President deserves credit for following through on a nearly 10-year effort.

"Its a home run for the Obama administration. It’s something that’s a long time coming and I’m happy about it."

In a statement the Metropolitan Transit Authority says it has stepped up security at key locations and remains on alert.  

For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.