Congressman Welcomes News of Gaddafi's Death

U.S. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8th) issued the following statement on the announced death of Col. Muammar Gaddafi of Libya:

 “I welcome the news that the decades-long reign of Col. Muammar Gaddafi, one characterized by fear and oppression, has finally come to an end.  His death marks an important step for the Libyan people and the National Transitional Council along the road to a free and independent Libya.  I remain hopeful that the Libyan people will unite behind a free, secular and democratic government and not fall prey to extremists who may seek to hijack their revolution.  I look forward to the possibility of strengthening our ties with a new Libyan regime.

 “While our military involvement in Libya should come to a swift end, we must continue to work with the new  Libyan government to secure unaccounted-for weapons which have the potential to fall into the hands of terrorists or their backers.  The death of Col. Gaddafi represents a victory for Libya, but it does not mean the end of the struggle for economic and political security for its people.”