Families of 9/11 victims react to bin Laden’s death

It’s an emotional day for families of 9/11 victims. Some are not clear how they feel about the news that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

Christine Lafuente’s father, Juan Lafuente, disappeared on Sept. 11, 2001. Her family has never gotten a final answer, but he was likely at a trade show in one of the World Trade Center towers.

Lafuente, a painter in New York City, lived in Philadelphia at the time of the terrorist attacks. She participated in a local support group for victims’ families in the months after. She said she heard the news of bin Laden’s death Monday morning while taking her dog for a walk. She said she feels relief, but thinks it will be short-lived

“There is a part of me that is grateful that the man who was responsible for the murder of my father has been killed, but, oddly, I also know that all it does is precipitate more death,” Lafuente said.

Lafuente said these are difficult days for her and her family. She was considering going to Ground Zero, but doesn’t like the area because she considers it a crime scene, and not a sacred space.