Statement From Congresswoman Hochul On News Of Moammar Gadhafi's Death

Statement

"For over four decades, Moammar Gadhafi has ruled the Libyan people through fear and intimidation; silencing anyone who ever spoke out against him. Today, with his death, his reign of tyranny is finally over.

"Over the last seven months, Libyan rebels have fought for their freedom and to finally end Gadhafi's regime of oppression. As I stated at the onset of this conflict, the situation in Libya posed a grave threat to human life and Moammar Gadhafi had to be removed from power, but not by U.S. military force. I supported the transfer of operational control to NATO and believed America was right to have helped develop a plan that worked as part of a much larger coalition.

"While today's news has sparked joy in the streets of Tripoli, let us never forget the thousands who paid the ultimate sacrifice under Gadhafi's dictatorship, so that the Libyan people could be free; including the 270 who perished in 1988, when Gadhafi ordered the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and Hamburg resident Colleen Brunner was taken from us at such a young age.

"Gadhafi's death marks a sigh of relief to millions around the world, but it is also a reminder of the work that remains to bring peace and stability to a region of the world too often paralyzed by fear, hatred and violence."

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