Long Island Congressmen React To Qassem Soleimani Killing

SEAFORD, NY—Several Long Island congressmen wasted little time reacting to the news Thursday that the U.S. military had killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, one of Iran's top military leaders and one of the most powerful figures in the Islamic Republic. His death comes after President Trump ordered airstrike in Baghdad.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took to Twitter to say that Soleimani's death was "in response to imminent threats to American lives."

"The U.S. will protect its people and its interests," Pompeo said. "Thankful that our allies recognize the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force. The U.S. remains committed to de-escalation."

Following the deadly airstrike ordered by Trump, Rep. Pete King (R-Seaford), who represents New York's Second Congressional District, said he supported the president's actions in Iran.

"Vital that Americans unite behind Trump's decision to attack and kill Iranian terrorist Soleimani. No time for political sniping," King said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove), who represents New York's Third Congressional District including parts of Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties, acknowledged Soleimani's murderous past and his efforts to kill members of the U.S. military but criticized Trump's actions to order the airstrike.

"The president should not and must not act alone when it involves the use of military force," Suozzi said in a tweet.

Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley), who represents New York's First Congressional District, called Thursday's airstrike targeted, necessary, legal and proportional.

"With all the blood on Soleimani’s hands, murdering 500+ U.S. troops and planning more attacks, Iran’s terrorist regime should only be surprised this didn’t happen sooner," Zeldin posted in a tweet.

On Friday, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-Queens), whose district also includes part of southwestern Nassau County, issued the following statement regarding the targeted strike on Suleimani:

“Iran is a dangerous regional actor and Suleimani was its military mastermind. Any action to strike him should have come with serious thought, strategy, and Congressional consultation," Meeks said. "Instead, President Trump’s order to assassinate him is an escalation of hostilities that has no apparent strategy behind it. The White House must immediately consult with Congress as required by law. President Trump came into office determined to undermine any strategic efforts toward Iran, starting with dismantling the multilateral joint action plan to address Iran’s nuclear program. Congress must be a check on his reckless posture that puts Americans in danger.”

Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) has yet to comment on Thursday's airstrike or Soleimani's death.