Thousands Rally at Boston Common to Celebrate Bin Laden’s Demise

Early this morning, thousands gathered in the Boston Common in a loud, yet peaceful, rally to celebrate the death of wanted terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden. People from all over Boston came together at the Parkman Bandstand in the center of the Commons, waving flags and singing “God Bless America” and the National Anthem.

At midnight, Boston University students began gathering at Marsh Plaza based on directions from various social media sources like Facebook and Twitter. Shortly afterwards, the group moved to Kenmore Square before joining a stream of people headed towards the Common.

At the Common, a massive group of mostly college-age people gathered around the rotunda, chanting and cheering “USA” and “Yes We Did!” American flags, as well as the flags representing the U.S. Marines, were held aloft by people clinging to the pillars of the bandstand. A ring of people sat on a narrow ledge ringing the outside of the rotunda, holding their hands up, singing and chanting along with the crowds. The rest of the ralliers swarmed around the bandstand, while the smell of cigars and weed filled the cool air. People took turns walking up the bandstand steps, picking up those who fell over and rotating around so that others could get a turn to celebrate.

The rally formed after a televised statement given late yesterday night by President Barack Obama. Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist leader behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, had been killed in a firefight with American forces in Pakistan. President Obama was careful to emphasize that Bin Laden’s death was both a national and international victory, saying that Bin Laden’s death should be “welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

The mood of the crowds coursing down Commonwealth was electric.

“I’m really excited. I’m following to see what I’m going to find at the end of the crowds,” Tania Mesta (COM ’13) reflected. “I didn’t know that this was going to happen until I saw people running.” Many did not know where the crowd was going. Text messaging and word of mouth were the main means of communication.

As students walks towards the rally, cars raced down Commonwealth blasting music and waving American flags. However, not all of the rally-goers were American.

“Even though I’m not an American, it’s a proud moment,” said Rishi Jolli (SMG ’14). “I’m happy that they caught him,”

Some of the crowd had concerns about possible retaliation. Karen Tharien, a BU Graduate School of Management alum (’85), was specifically concerned about air travel. “I’m nervous about what may come. I’m sure they’re expecting softer attacks.” Yet even those concerns couldn’t dampen the celebration for long.

“I am excited,” Tharien said.

The Boston Police Department was present along Commonwealth Avenue, providing traffic control so that marching students could proceed safely.

“We heard there was a large group assemblage so we came out to make sure everyone was safe,” Officer Lynch, a member of the Boston Police department, said. “As long as nobody starts turning cars over or setting things on fire, I’m happy.”