VIDEO: Qaddafi killed today

Ousted Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi was killed today by Libyans near his hometown of Sirte. His death comes two months after he was removed from power, a reign that lasted 42 years.

President Obama said Qaddafi’s death marked the “end of a long and painful chapter.”

Senator Mark Udall released this statement:

“Qaddafi was a cruel ruler who terrorized his citizens and refused to listen to their demands that he step down. The Libyan people bravely stood up against their oppressor, but as long as Qaddafi was alive and on the run they weren’t free to chart their own future.

“There are many questions to be answered today and in the coming weeks and months about what the future holds for Libya. But with Qaddafi gone, the interim Libyan government has the opportunity to build a new democratic nation.

“U.S. leadership helped bring about regime change, and I commend President Obama for bringing together an international coalition to aid the Libyan people. Our role in the near future must continue to be one of support and guidance as a new Libya works to rebuild, provide for its people and hold its first credible elections.”

Senator Michael Bennet had this to say:

“This is a powerful, significant and historic moment. The people of Libya have demanded that their voices be heard and that their government works for them, and now they will have a chance to make that a reality.

“I commend the work of our administration, NATO and those on the ground in Libya to help remove this cruel dictator and restore stability to this nation, so Libya can begin the process of rebuilding and establishing a new, democratically-elected leader.

“The United States must work with the people of Libya and others in the international community to welcome a newly reformed Libyan government and encourage the Libyan people to continue to pursue a free and open society.”

Scot Kersgaard has been managing editor of a political newspaper, editor and co-owner of a ski town newspaper, executive editor of eight high-tech magazines (where he worked with current Apple CEO Tim Cook), deputy press secretary to a U.S. Senator, and an outdoors columnist at the Rocky Mountain News. He has an English degree from the University of Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to study internet journalism at the University of Maryland's Knight Center for Specialized Journalism. He was student body president in college. He spends his free time hiking and skiing.

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