Republicans join Democrats in praising Biden for death of al Qaeda leader Zawahiri

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle praised the White House on Monday after it was announced that the leader of al Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, had been killed by a drone strike in Afghanistan. 

Republicans and Democrats alike were quick to commend President Biden for taking action against the 71-year-old terrorist. Zawahiri, a one-time surgeon, had led al Qaeda since the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden. 

"Congratulations to the Biden Administration and all those brave Americans involved in the successful counterterrorism operation against al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "This is a significant event in the War on Terror. All those involved have delivered a strong message that America never forgets." 

Zawahiri, who helped plan the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was killed on Saturday by a drone strike in Kabul.