Osama Bin Laden Dead

Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 that killed more than 3,000 Americans, has been killed in a U.S.-led operation near Islamabad, Pakistan.

President Barack Obama confirmed the death of Bin Laden in a live address to the world late Sunday.

"Justice had been done," Obama said.

The U.S. had been tracking Bin Laden, 54, for months, Obama said, and the president authorized an operation to kill Bin Laden, head of the al Qaeda terror network, on Friday after his location was confirmed. A team of Navy SEALS on Sunday via helicopter attacked a high-security compound in Abbottabad, about 30 miles north of Islamabad. Bin Laden resisted during a 40-minute firefight, and was shot in the head. His body was later buried at sea. No Americans or civilians were harmed in the operation.

Three other men and a woman inside the compound were also killed in the attack.

Video from Pakistan showed fires burning in the three-story compound, which was surrounded by high walls.

Obama said that the SEALs practiced the operation in order to minimize collateral damage and possible civilian casualties in Abbottabad, a densely-populated city. One U.S. helicopter crashed due to mechanical problems with no injuries to those aboard, CNN reported. The helicopter was destroyed by U.S. forces to prevent any intelligence from being gleaned in the wreckage.

Cheering crowds gathered outside the White House as the news spread. U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world were placed on high alert following the news of Bin Laden's death.

"I want to commend President Obama's Administration for its commitment and dedication to finally bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice," Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement late Sunday night.

"As the former U.S. Attorney and now Governor of New Jersey, I speak for all the families of this state who have courageously endured the unspeakable and devastating consequences of terrorism. There is hardly a life that has gone untouched in New Jersey by the horrifying assault on American soil that took place on September 11th and today, after years of waiting, justice has finally been delivered. While our fight against terrorism continues, Osama bin Laden's reign of terror has come to an end, sending a clear signal that even in the face of immeasurable horror, democracy and freedom continue to prevail."

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Robert Menedez said, “As a nation, we may all feel some measure of closure that justice was accomplished. That through persistence and continued perseverance Osama Bin Laden and others were found and held accountable.
 
Like all Americans, New Jerseyans, never forgot the heinous actions of those responsible, never forgot those whose lives were lost, never stopped asking questions of our government, and never ceased continuing the pressure on the importance of capturing Bin Laden and bringing justice to those responsible.
 
Although Osama Bin Laden’s demise will not end terrorist threats, his death is a significant blow to the leadership of the al Qaeda organization and sends the message that the U.S. will find, destroy and dismantle al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that seek to threaten the United States and its citizens at home or abroad.

May we all join together in unity, grateful to those in our military who everyday put their lives at risk and sacrifice greatly to protect our nation. Let us be especially grateful to those who put themselves at risk to bring Bin Laden to justice.
 
My thoughts and prayers, along with those of all New Jerseyans, are with those who lost family and friends on 9/11. Hopefully they can find some solace and a measure of closure today."

“People across the civilized world will have great satisfaction and relief with news of the death of Osama Bin Laden, one of the worst killers in the history of man," said U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, in a statement. "He was a ruthless terrorist responsible for a savage mission that killed thousands of innocent Americans and others around the world. Now we must be particularly diligent and let the message get out that we we’ll do whatever is necessary to stop this kind of madness. Osama Bin Laden’s disciples must know that the free world is united against terror and will fight terrorists no matter who they are, where they hide and no matter who their protectors might be.  A 9/11 must never be allowed to happen again. I commend the bravery and sacrifice of all those who have been engaged in the pursuit of terrorists and all of those who continue to fight the insanity that drives terrorists who believe they can follow in this course.”

Patch will have more details as they become available.