WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Thursday reviewed the still-classified photographs of Usama bin Laden that showed the deadly wounds inflicted by Navy SEALs during their mission 11 days ago.
The Florida Democrat, a senior member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he saw a number of photographs at the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Va., between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. accompanied by representatives of the CIA.
Nelson has supported President Barack Obama’s decision to keep the photographs under wraps, but has called for them to become part of the public record at a later date. Arriving back at the Capitol from the CIA, he issued the following, brief statement:
“Earlier today I went to the CIA headquarters outside Washington and viewed a number of pictures of Usama bin Laden, along with others taken at the scene of our mission in Pakistan to capture or kill him.
“There is no doubt in my mind – nor should there be in anyone else’s – that we got the terrorist who orchestrated the insane and murderous acts that took place on Sept. 11, 2001.
“I’ve said already that I agree with President Obama’s decision not to release these pictures right now. Satisfying skeptics and conspiracy theorists isn’t worth inflaming radicals or putting our troops in even more danger.
“Still, I personally believe the free flow of information is tantamount to our democracy. Thus, these pictures should eventually be made part of the public record.
“This is why I’ve written President Obama and asked that they be released as early as it can be determined that doing so won’t expose Americans to harm.
“For now, you can know this: Usama bin Laden is dead. But, our job is not yet done. We need to continue moving forward with purpose and vigilance here at home and abroad.”
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Preceding provided by Senator Nelson