Peaceful rally held on campus after killing of bin Laden

The announcement of Osama bin Laden’s death sent a wave of patriotism across the nation and UC Davis. Bin Laden was the leader of al-Qaeda – the organization allegedly behind the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that killed over 3,000 Americans.

On Monday afternoon, the Davis College Democrats and Davis College Republicans held a non-partisan, pro-America rally on the Quad in memory of the victims of 9/11.

“Osama bin Laden was killed … and this is to remember 9/11,” said Davis College Republican member Marcus Schibler. “This is just a pro-America rally to say we finally got him.”

ASUCD Senator Eli Yani said he was proud to see an event on campus that was not defined by party lines.

“Theoretically, this should be something that should transcend politics,” Yani said. “It’s bigger than just Republicans and Democrats. It’s about Americans coming together.”

Former ASUCD President Jack Zwald said he was happy it was a non-partisan event in support of the killing of one of the most evil persons of our generation.

The small, peaceful rally started on the quad and marched to Russell Boulevard.

UC Davis religious studies professor Flagg Miller said the killing of bin Laden is a moment for Americans to step back and take relief that the top member of al-Qaeda has been taken out.

“There is a lot of relief and gratitude toward the people for their work on this mission,” Miller said.

– Jason Alpert