Court House Mother Whose Daughter Was Killed In Pan Am 103 Bombing, Reacts To Gaddafi’s Death

COURT HOUSE — Resident Susan Cohen told the Herald she was pleased to hear Libyan president, Muammar Gaddafi was killed Thur., Oct. 20. Her 20-year old daughter, Theodora, was one of 270 people killed in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Dec. 21, 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
“It’s wonderful, it’s the best news I’ve had in many, many years,” said Cohen. “I would say it’s the happiest day since Dec. 20, 1988, the day before the Lockerbie bombing.”
“I’m glad he’s dead,” she continued.
Cohen said each morning since February she has been searching for stories about Libya online. She said the news of his capture Thursday was “measured at first,” and she stayed as calm as possible.
When President Barrack Obama announced the death of Gaddafi, Cohen said she knew the story was true. She said she watched videos of Gaddafi being killed.
“It’s great stuff, I’m happy,” said Cohen.
She confirmed she has told other media outlets her plans to celebrate Gaddafi’s death with a bottle of champagne.
Cohen’s phone has ringing non-stop. She said she wanted to be a guest on Chris Matthew’s program on MSNBC but was too tired. She has been caring for a family member.
CBS Television was scheduled to arrive at her Court House home with a satellite truck for a Friday morning appearance on the CBS Morning Show, said Cohen.
She appeared on the Today Show Aug. 13, 2009 to protest the release of Abdel Baset Ali al-Megrahi, who was convicted of the Lockerbie bombing. He was released from a life sentence in a Scottish prison after eight years because he allegedly had terminal cancer.
“He should be in Scotland today,” said Cohen. “I do hope that’s one of the things that comes out of this, that the Libyan government allows the American Justice Department people in to question al-Megrahi.”
She said she did not have much faith in Scotland since the nation released him from prison.
Cohen said she was glad Gaddafi was dead rather than facing trial.
“I’ve lived through trials, I know what they are worth,” she said.
Cohen said Gaddafi died a “brutal, monstrous death, there were thousands of people he killed in horrible, brutal ways including my completely innocent daughter.”
“As far as I’m concerned, he got everything he should get,” said Cohen.
She said she was pleased when Obama sent troops to Libya but she thought there should have been military action years ago. Cohen recalled President Ronald Reagan attempting to have Gaddafi assassinated.