Reactions and Celebrations
Thousands of people poured into the streets outside the White House and in New York City early Monday, waving U.S. flags, cheering and honking horns to celebrate al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden's death.
Almost 10 years after the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people, residents found joy, comfort and closure with the death of the mastermind of the plot.
For many, it was a historic, long-overdue moment. Following are images from the celebrations and reactions after news of Bin Laden’s death reached the public.
Posted 2 May 2011
President Obama in the Situation Room
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House, May 1, 2011. Please note: a classified document seen in this photograph has been obscured.
The Hideout of Bin Laden
Pictured is the hideout of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is pictured after his death by US Special Forces in a ground operation in Abbottabad on May 2, 2011. When news of the raid reached the media, it set off celebrations around the country and the world.
Pakistani Army Soldiers
Pakistani army soldiers leave the area near the hideout of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after a ground operation by US Special Forces in Abbottabad on May 2, 2011.
D.C. Celebrates
People gather at the White House in Washington DC to celebrate the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden, May 1 2011.
Visitors to Pentagon Memorial
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Gamache pays respects to victims of the 9/11 terrorists attacks, at the Pentagon Memorial on May 2, 2011, in Arlington, Virginia.
Celebration at Ground Zero
Kevin Van Orden, whose brother is in the U.S. Army, celebrates outside the World Trade Center site after the death Osama bin Laden was announced.
Reaction at Ground Zero
A man holds a sign outside the World Trade Center site after the death of accused 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden was announced.
Washington D.C. Celebrates
People celebrate the announcement of the death of Osama Bin Laden at the White House in Washington DC, May 2 2011.
Military Members Rejoice
Celebrations by military personnel and their families flood the streets of New York City on the night of the announcement.
Times Square, NYC
People gather in Times Square May 2, 2011 shortly after President Obama's announcement.
US Marines in Afghanistan
US Marines of Regiment Combat Team 1 (RCT 1) watch TV as President Barack Obama announces the death of Osama Bin Laden, at Camp Dwyer in Helmand Province, on May 2, 2011
Times Square, NYC
People gather in Times Square May 2, 2011 shortly after President Obama's announcement.
Celebrations in NYC
Ray Maldonado holds a "We Got Him" sign outside the World Trade Center site after the death of accused 9/11 mastermind was announced.