Reactions to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto

Reactions to the assassination of former Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto.

“The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan’s democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice.” — President Bush.

“The brutal assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is a tragic setback for the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. Her courageous return to Pakistan this year gave hope to all those concerned by efforts to extinguish rule of law there.” — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

“Benazir Bhutto’s bravery stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of those who remain committed only to chaos, murder and thwarting democracy in Pakistan.” — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

“It is important, when faced with the violence and loss of innocent life over the last few days, that political leaders show a commitment to resolve but also restraint. Extremists must be brought to justice, but extremism must not undermine commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, and to democracy.” — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

“This cowardice act serves as yet another reminder that we must remain vigilant in standing against the enemies of freedom in Pakistan and around the world to ensure that their efforts to thwart democracy will once again fail.” — House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

“This is a sorrowful day for Pakistan and for people of goodwill across the globe.” — Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

“This is a critical moment for Pakistan, for the region and for the community of nations as we encourage democracy and stability in Pakistan. I reiterate President Bush’s call for continuing with the election on January 8 in honor of Benazir Bhutto’s memory.” — Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

“The tragic assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a brutal act of violence and my prayers are with the Bhutto family. Terrorists will continue to strike at democratic and freedom loving people around the world. It is critical that we continue to hunt down and punish these violent extremists and remain vigilant in the war on terror.” — Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo.

“Her death is a tragedy for her country and a terrible reminder of the work that remains to bring peace, stability and hope to regions of the globe too often paralyzed by fear, hatred and violence.” — Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.

“Her death is a reminder that terrorism anywhere — whether in New York, London, Tel Aviv or Rawalpindi — is an enemy of freedom. We must redouble our efforts to win the terrorists’ war on us.” — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Republican.

“I am shocked and saddened by the death of Benazir Bhutto in this terrorist atrocity. She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people. We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world. — Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

“This points out again the extraordinary reality of global, violent, radical jihadism. We don’t know who is responsible for this attack, but there’s no question but that the violence we see throughout the world is violence which is not limited to Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, but is more global in nature.” — Former Gov. Mitt Romney, R-Mass.

“At this critical moment, America must convey both strength and principle. We should do everything in our power to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice and to ensure that Bhutto’s movement toward democracy continues.” — Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C.

“On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.” — Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.

“The fact that she was by far Pakistan’s most popular leader underscores the fact that there is a vast, moderate majority in Pakistan that must have a clear voice in the system. Her assassination makes it all the more urgent that Pakistan return to a democratic path.” — Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del.

“I offer my deepest condolences for the loss of Benazir Bhutto and to the families of those killed today. This is a terrible loss to her supporters, the people of Pakistan and for democracy.” — Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.

“At this critical time we must do everything in our power to help Pakistan continue the path toward democracy and full elections. Our first priority must be to ensure stability in this critical nuclear state.” — Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.

“We must use our diplomatic leverage and force the enemies of democracy to yield. President Bush should press Musharraf to step aside, and a broad-based coalition government, consisting of all the democratic parties, should be formed immediately. Until this happens, we should suspend military aid to the Pakistani government.” — Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M.

“This atrocious attack should compel the United States to renew our commitment to the people of Pakistan and to the voices of moderation. Although one of those voices has been prematurely silenced today, it is up to all of us to make sure that those who have perpetrated this hideous act are brought to justice, and that those who continue to spew the venomous, hate-filled rhetoric of extremism are vanquished.” — Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif.

“At this moment of tragedy and loss, we must stand united and strong in support of the vision of Pakistan — democratic, peaceful and free — that Prime Minister Bhutto gave her life in pursuit of, and against the forces of fanaticism responsible for her murder.” Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.

“The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is a tragedy for Pakistan. This shocking murder vividly illustrates the difficulty for the U.S. in achieving our two overriding goals in Pakistan — fighting terrorism and encouraging democracy. … General Musharraf must continue his efforts against terrorists who pose a threat both internally and to the rest of the world. While we will work with him to diminish this threat, we must also encourage him to continue every effort to achieve a real and lasting democracy.” — Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va.