Bin Laden: In Groton, Cheers and Doubts (with video)

In Groton this morning, people cheered - silently and aloud - when they heard about the death of Osama bin Laden.

Others expressed skepticism, even true doubt, about the demise of the terrorist leader.

Norm's Diner is not so busy mid-morning on a Monday. Diane Meara, working behind the counter, breaks into a smile when asked about her response to the news.

"They finally got the bastard," she says.

At the counter, Pat Montgomery, a regular at Norm's, says that while he feels bin Laden's death is justified, "My heart goes out to the families" of the soliders who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no bringing them back, he says.

For Sean R. Archer, buying a cheeseburger at a truck outside Electric Boat, the response is simple. "At least it's over now," he says.

Laurie Williams is waiting in line for food. She says she is "excited, as I'm sure every American was" on hearing the news.

In Ken's Tackle shop on Thames Street, Dottie Streeter and postman David Baillageron discuss bin Laden's death, and why he was buried at sea. Baillageron says he thinks it's possible that the announcement is a political move intended to strengthen President Barak Obama's chances at re-election.

"It was a face to be put on terror," he says.

Streeter says she doesn't think the death of bin Laden is going to help Obama.

"This world doesn't need people like that," she says.

Steve Woodruff, owner of Woody's service station on Route 12, has a clear unquestioning response.

"I hope he rots in hell."