Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On President Biden’s Successful Counterterrorism Strike And The Death Of Ayman al-Zawahiri

Washington, D.C. –  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor applauding the successful U.S. counterterrorism air strike resulting in the death of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here: 

Over the last five days we’ve seen what President Biden and a Democratic-led Congress are focused on getting done: bringing terrorists to justice, lowering costs, reducing inflation and the deficit, helping our veterans, and better competing with countries like China.

I want to begin with a word on last night’s announcement: last night, President Biden reported that the United States conducted a strike that targeted and killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, the notorious mass murderer, the leader of Al-Qaeda and one of the sick planners of the September 11 attacks, which in New York and around the country and the world, we are still mourning.

The strike against al-Zawahiri is a major victory for the United States: it will make our country—and the entire world—a safer place. It will also help bring an element of justice for the 9/11 families, as well as the many Americans who still carry the scars deep within.

I applaud President Biden for bringing final justice to this loathsome murderer who orchestrated the killing of thousands of my fellow New Yorkers, including some people I knew quite well. I also want to thank the President’s national security team for keeping Congress fully and currently informed throughout the process.

Finally, I want to applaud the skill and bravery of our dedicated intelligence community, service members, and diplomats who work day and night to keep American safe.

This successful mission will send a chill down the spines of terrorists all around the world, and likewise will send a clear message that those who wish to cross our nation and harm our citizens: you will find no comfort, you will find no quarter. You can run but you can’t hide; we will hunt you down to the ends of the earth until justice is carried out.

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