Bin Laden is Dead: Wall Street Reacts
Nearly 10 years after the destruction of the World 
Trade Center, Osama bin Laden is dead. Thousands of innocent people died in the heart of the financial district, just blocks away from the New York Stock Exchange, and life on Wall Street -- both as physical location and metaphor -- was changed forever.
While the impact of that day was felt around the world, no single area was more affected than Ground Zero. What follows are the initial reactions to the death of bin Laden from some of the Wall Street veterans who lived through it -- and their concerns for what it might mean in the future.
Brian Sozzi, equity analyst at Wall Street Strategies:
To catch the seemingly uncatchable man, finally. In way, it seemed as if the public forgot about him being at large, resigned to the notion he may never be caught. I still have that sense of relief and gratitude to our troops, but an added layer of mindfulness. I am mindful of the fact his death may ratchet up terrorism instead of continue to temper it around the world. Since I work in the heart of the financial district, my eyes and ears were much more aware during today's ride to work than the norm.Kenny Polcari, managing director at ICAP Corporates, NYSE floor trader:
My recollection of September 11 is very clear and real...too much to [express here]. I think the news is good, it brings some closure to the families that lost loved ones, but only exacerbates the fanaticism around the world in radical Muslim parts. What is also a little weird is that the death of another 20th century madman [Hitler] was announced on May 1 -- 60-plus years ago. Today we will get the Osama bin Laden death rally, but this will be short-lived. It is a personal event for the world rather than an economic event that will really add to any global recovery.Jason Weisberg, managing director at Seaport Securities, NYSE floor trader:
My memories of that day will never change. Losing friends. The mother of my children worked in one of the towers for IBM a year prior. It's been 10 years and it's scary that in that time period there are probably 100 in line to replace [bin Laden]. However it's is a great positive symbolically to take the market to the upside.Joe Greco, managing director at Meridian Equity Partners, NYSE floor trader:
The news is not all about Osama, but the importance of finally locating and verifiably terminating the head of the al Qaeda snake is monumental! I am breathing easier for the first time in a decade. While the actual threat of terrorist-type attacks is most definitely still looming, I am excited to spend at least the next few hours enjoying a sense of security I had sadly thought was to be lost until the bastard died naturally.Cort Gwon, Chief Strategist, HudsonView Capital Management, Wall Street veteran:
I witnessed the events of 9/11 from the window of my office building right across the Hudson River. While I was fortunate enough not to lose anyone close to me that day, I felt the fear that everyone experienced as the fear of potential terrorism was instilled in all of us going forward. While the news alone does not mean the end to al Qaeda, it sends a clear message to all current and potential terrorists that eventually they will be brought to justice. It brings closure to many -- families of 9/11 victims, families of U.S. troops, New Yorkers and Americans. It is one of those historic moments that people will remember where they were when the announcement was made.Doreen Mogavero, Founder, President, Chief Executive, NYSE Floor Broker, Mogavero Lee & Co.:
This news did bring back the emotions of that terrible day. I called a friend who lost her brother at Cantor Fitzgerald and I really didn't know what to say. Although it is good that he is gone and cannot plan any more attacks on innocent people, his death can't undo all the evil that he has done.Tom Lydon, Editor, ETF Trends:
I was watching live when the second plane went into the World Trade Center on September 11 and knew at that point the U.S. was experiencing a level of terrorism we've never felt before. The news about Bin Laden should give all Americans a renewed sense of security as U.S. forces continue to whittle away at terrorist organizations like al Qaeda. I'd love for our children to never have the fear of terrorism or live through the experiences of a September 11.Mick Mlasic, Co-Founder at Hedgeye Risk Management:
I was in California at the time it happened and I couldn't believe the tragedy I was witnessing. I couldn't help but think about the people in New York. I remember calling friends, who were nearly speechless and thinking about what to do. Would there be more attacks? Did they need to leave the city? I cannot begin to describe the emotions -- theirs or mine. And mind you, I was in California, 3000 miles away. And although it's obviously a relief and a coup, the one thought that sticks with me is how will his followers retaliate? Could they in some way actually be more dangerous now?
Where were you on 9/11? Share your memories below.
photo courtesy Flickr user thisisbossi
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