President: Terrorist Osama bin Laden Killed

Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, has been killed by U.S. forces, President Barack Obama confirmed Sunday night. 

"Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body," he said in a televised speech at the White House.

Read the full text from the president's speech.

Former presidents congratulated the American forces and President Obama.

"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001," President George W. Bush said in a statement.

President Bill Clinton said, "This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaida's other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children."

Senators and representatives from Georgia were quick to release statements about the historic news as well. Here are some of their statements:

 "This is a historic moment for the U.S. special operations and intelligence communities. I highly commend the special operations units who undertook this mission and carried it out with no injuries to women or children inside the compound. The CIA and others in the U.S. intelligence community did a phenomenal job over several months in carrying out this assignment." 

- Sen. Saxby Chambliss

“This is an historic moment that brings to a close an unfortunate chapter in American history. This day comes as a result of the hard work by the Central Intelligence Agency, the national security agencies and especially our military. We have hunted down and killed the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, but we must not stop here. The threat of terrorism still exists and we must remain steadfast in our mission to eradicate it around the globe.”

-Sen. Johnny Isakson

"This achievement will never bring back the lives lost on September 11th or those who have paid the ultimate price while avenging the terrorist attacks on our country - but Osama Bin Laden's death is a victory for America and we can rest easier tonight thanks to our military. The war on terror and Al Queda needs to remain a top priority so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms upon which our nation was built."

- Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia's 10th Congressional District (response on Facebook)

UPDATE:

“I am elated to learn that Osama bin Laden, an enemy with so much blood on his hands, has finally been brought to justice.

“I congratulate our brave men and women in uniform who fought tirelessly to secure this victory, and I encourage all Americans to remember those who paid the ultimate price while fighting the War on Terror. We will forever be grateful. I also commend President Barack Obama, our Commander in Chief, for authorizing this strategic operation, as well as President Bush for initially launching our counterattack after the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

“I hope that today those who suffered on September 11 can feel a moment of closure.  We must remain engaged and vigilant in combating terrorism and our enemies who wish to wreak havoc on our shores.  This profound moment sends a message that we will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of our homeland and to protect the American people.”

- Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia's 10th Congressional District (official statement)