Local Woman Whose Ex-Husband Died in 9/11 Attack Responds to News of Bin Laden's Death

A Carmichael woman whose ex-husband died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks had little to say late Sunday night about news that Osama bin Laden is dead.

"It's been a long 10 years," Elizabeth Beaven, whose ex-husband Alan Beaven was killed on Flight 93, told Patch, declining further comment. The couple divorced before the 9/11 attacks.

President Barack Obama made the announcement earlier Sunday, in a televised address to the nation. Bin Laden's death was the result of a U.S. operation launched today in Abbottabad, Pakistan, against a compound where bin Laden was believed to be hiding, according to U.S. intelligence. After a firefight, a small team of American forces killed bin Laden and took possession of his body, the president said.

Officials long believed bin Laden, the most wanted man in the world, was hiding in a mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) released the following statement:

“The horrific tragedy of September 11 was the main reason I felt the need to return to public service.  In a region of Pakistan, the mastermind of that crime and the leader of the Al Qaeda terrorist network, Osama Bin Laden has been killed. I am pleased to hear this news.

"This is a strong reminder that actionable intelligence is the key to success in these types of operations.  It is important we keep this in mind as we look at extending elements of the Patriot Act.

"I would like to commend the hard work of the intelligence community, Special Forces personnel and all of our military service members for their tireless efforts in serving justice for the American people."

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Patch regional editor Alex Gronke and AOL News contributed to this report.