Anwar al-Awlaki Dead: Politicians React To Death Of U.S.-Born Al Qaeda Cleric

Top Republican politicians differed in their reactions Friday to the killing of American-born operative al Qaeda operative Anwar al-Awlaki in a drone strike in Yemen.

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), the Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, says the killing of the U.S.-born cleric is a "tremendous tribute" to President Barack Obama and the U.S. intelligence community.

In a statement, he says the killing of al-Awlaki is a great success in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. King claims that in recent years al-Awlaki has been more dangerous than Osama bin Laden.

However, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), who is running for president, said the killing amounted to an "assassination," since al-Awlaki is a U.S. Citizen and did not face a trial. He made the comments to reporters after a campaign stop Friday at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. He said America's leaders must think hard about "assassinating American citizens without charges."