Politicians, Pundits React to Gadhafi's Death

Moammar Gadhafi, the autocratic ruler of Libya from 1969 until 2011, when he lost his tenuous hold on the country, is reportedly dead. Reactions across the globe have been varied and passionate. Here are some reactions from politicians, celebrities and other leaders; they weigh in on the many implications of this news and what this death means to the world.

"The death of Muammar Qaddafi marks an end to the first phase of the Libyan revolution. While some final fighting continues, the Libyan people have liberated their country. Now the Libyan people can focus all of their immense talents on strengthening their national unity, rebuilding their country and economy, proceeding with their democratic transition, and safeguarding the dignity and human rights of all Libyans. The United States, along with our European allies and Arab partners, must now deepen our support for the Libyan people, as they work to make the next phase of their democratic revolution as successful as the fight to free their country." -- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said in a statement released on Thursday.

"Dear President Obama, Dear Mr. Ban, World Leaders, looks like Gaddafi's dead. Have we killed all the bad guys yet? Can we reexamine our priorities yet and invest more in saving people than killing them? Just wondering, get back to me whenever is convenient for you. Thanks, CD" -- Activist Cody Donahue via Facebook on the morning of the announcement.

"Muammar al-Qaddafi was a tyrant who terrorized the Libyan people and shed American blood and the world is a better place without him." -- Mitt Romney stated this via his Twitter account, @MittRomney.

"Today marks the end of Qadhafi's reign and a new opportunity for freedom, prosperity and a voice in the global community for Libyans. The Administration, especially Secretary Clinton, deserve our congratulations." -- Sen. Mark Kirk announced in a statement.

"The end of the Muammar Qadhafi era is a victory for the people of Libya. The success of the Libyan people in rising up to overthrow a tyrant is a blow against dictatorship everywhere. His defeat would not have happened without the assistance of an international coalition in which U.S. leadership played an important role. I commend President Obama for his decision to help assemble and coordinate a powerful international coalition, supported by the United Nations and the Arab League, that helped bring an end to the Qadhafi regime." -- Sen. Carl Levin as reported by The Huffington Post.

"If he was killed, how? As a prisoner or a fugitive? Was it a NATO strike, or was he shot in a gunfight? Was he captured alive, and then killed? (That matters, even for him.) Who is left in his circle, who has been captured, will they be tried, and by whom?... Most of all, what comes next?" -- Amy Davidson, as published in The New Yorker, showcasing that she had more questions than answers in the wake of this news.