Last Shot Taken First

I was sitting quietly in my living room when my daughter barged in yelling, “Osama bin Laden is dead!” In shock, I turned on the television to follow the media coverage.  As I did this I witnessed something I had not expected. I watched American pride developing and emerging before my eyes much in the manner at the time of the 9/11 attacks.

Media coverage showed joyous crowds gathering, growing, and spreading in a number of American cities.  Crowds chanted “USA,” sang the national anthem, and waved flags late into the evening. 

I remembered the news videos showing cheers of delight in some areas of the Middle East after the World Trade Center attacks.  The crowds were cheering for a job well done when the Twin Towers collapsed. The difference between these openly loud celebrations is heart breaking. 

Those associated with the terrorists applauded a meaningless slaughter of innocent lives.  Almost ten years later Americans actively celebrated the elimination of a continuous and ongoing threat. The man who masterminded the attack against America was no more. 

President Obama stepped up to the podium. He spoke as he always does, in measured tones, but there was a difference. The President spoke with both a high level of satisfaction and relief. I appreciated his words.  It was clear a decision was made by the Commander-In-Chief. If things had gone wrong, there would be dire consequences. 

When the President stepped from the podium, I recalled President Bush during 9/11. President Bush made it known that bin Laden could run, but he could not hide! We will get him!  This pledge to America had dire consequences as well.  This promise was made to all Americans at a time the world was watching and listening. How often has America been belittled for undertaken this task and making such a pledge to the world? 

America is proud once more. The United States followed up on its promise. The baton had been passed from President Bush to President Obama. Together as one they delivered. One began the War on Terror and the other finished the bin Laden battle.

According to information released the Navy SEALS raided bin Laden’s compound.  Osama bin Laden resisted their presence. A firefight ensued. America overwhelmed bin Laden in his safe haven. I am of the opinion a more perfect response could not have been initiated. The United States had gone way beyond entering his adopted homeland. America entered his home. The SEALS were on scene. This was done not solely in respect for those who lost their life on 9/11.  It had to do with anybody who lost their life due to a terrorist act. On May 1, 2011 there was no place to run or hide. The enemy was killed in action.

When I was in grammar school, my teachers taught me about the shot heard around the world; the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Modern-day technology permitted the first shot taken last by the SEALS to be known around the world nearly immediately after it happened. This truly is the shot heard around the world by friends and foes alike.

America demonstrated its professionalism by utilizing forensic technology to confirm Osama bin Laden was killed in action. Once that task was achieved, two additional steps were taken to permit closure.

Reportedly, the body was cleaned and prepared for burial in keeping with Muslim tradition. The terrorist was then buried at sea prior to sunset. How many people throughout the world are unable to visit their loved one’s burial site following a death by terrorism?  How many people have been denied a proper funeral due to a terrorist act? 

Osama bin Laden was buried respectfully. A proper burial was not performed for this man. It was done in respect for Islam. The United States did not wish to offend faithful Muslims. Buried at sea, the terrorist shall never be visited by loved ones, friends or admirers. Once again, America took the time to take the first shot last.

It is important to remember the last act committed is the first act remembered. America has been reminded of what the War on Terrorism is all about. It took this last act to remind America what first occurred on 9/11.

With these thoughts renewed and fresh in mind, law enforcement must continue to encourage the public to note and report any suspicious activity.  America cannot fall behind.   America is focused on who will step to the forefront to replace Osama bin Laden. 

So much more remains to be done. America is on a heightened alert at a time law enforcement must remain proactive. The value of reporting suspicious activity has been demonstrated many times, most notably in the case of the street vendor who alerted police to the Times Square car bomb. This vigilance must continue both here and abroad.

Taking the first shot last involves advance preparation through continued training. As the Navy SEALS demonstrated, taking the first shot last involves overcoming an active threat. The last thing one desires to do is to fire upon another.  However, it is the first thing those in the military are prepared to do. An immediate threat upon oneself or another is to be terminated. The successful mission undertaken by the Navy Seals overcoming a threat to one and all resulted in no injuries to personnel on scene.

This clearly defines a time when law enforcement may do so as well. Law enforcement plays a paramilitary role in guarding the interests and concerns of society. In this role law enforcement is not an attack force with one exception; overcoming the active shooter.

The duty of taking the first shot last was adopted by law enforcement as a result of the Columbine High School massacre. The birth of the active shooter on this day gave birth to the role of the first responder as well.

Law enforcement, if necessary, is prepared to take the first shot last in the role of the first responder. This will be the last thing an officer will desire to do, but it will be the first action taken to terminate open gunfire upon individuals. One or more individuals firing upon those in a school environment, workplace or elsewhere will be terminated in similar fashion to that taken by the Navy Seals.  

Although the military and law enforcement have different functions each serve a common purpose. Keep America safe. This is undertaken at home and abroad. Homeland Security is the Chief watchdog here in America.

Al Qaeda provided a great service to America and the world. It took the time to confirm Osama bin Laden was killed in action. Along with that, AlQaeda  called for renewed threats against Americans in Pakistan. This is at a time it was learned a new plan was in place to attack America on or about the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Al Qaeda confirmed the War of Terror is in place. This is at a time the Patriot Act will be expiring. If it is not endorsed by members of Congress we will be placing ourselves a step behind at a time America has taken a step to the forefront addressing the War of Terror. Extending the Patriot Act is the first step to be taken to keep America in the forefront at a time the terrorists are confused and uncertain.
      
After the successful attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is known to have stated, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him will terrible resolve.” As of the attacks of 9/11 this  resolve is in place once more.