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McCollum Statement on Killing of Al Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri

August 1, 2022

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after President Biden's confirmation of the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a U.S. strike:

"The death of Ayman al-Zawahiri is the most significant blow to Al Qaeda since the elimination of Osama bin Laden during the Obama administration. His death is a justified end to a mass murderer who targeted innocents and destroyed so many lives on September 11, 2001. President Biden, his national security team, and our courageous intelligence community are to be commended for their resolve in this successful strike that was carried out without civilian casualties. This operation underscores our nation's commitment and capacity to defend the American people against those who seek to harm us.

"Though there is little that provides comfort, it is my hope that this outcome brings a sense of justice for those who lost loved ones in al-Zawahiri's attacks on Americans. I share President Biden's commitment to keeping Americans safe, defending liberty, and keeping the light of freedom burning as a beacon for the rest of the world. Our security and our leadership on the world stage depend on America's ongoing determination to never waver from our shared values."

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