Osama bin Laden Dead

UPDATE 12:06 a.m.:

In a late-night address on May 1, President Obama formally announced that Osama bin Laden had been killed by United States forces. He spoke of the tragic losses on Sept. 11, 2001, and of the toll that was taken on the United States by having to wait over a decade for justice.

The body of bin Laden was recovered by U.S. special forces after a firefight May 1 at a compound in Pakistan.

Bin Laden's death ends a nearly decade of searching for the Al Qaeda mastermind, who directed the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans.

"But his death doesn’t mark end of our efforts. We must and will remain vigilant at home and abroad," the President said in his speech.

In his minutes-long speech, the President thanked the intelligence community, who secured leads on bin Laden's location in August. He also said that this fight was not a war on Islam.

“The US is not – and never will be – at war with Islam … Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims," he said.

"Justice has been done," Obama said.

Woodbridge lost the following residents in the Pentagon attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, according to this Washington Post project:

• Rhonda Sue Rasmussen 
• Judy Rowlett
• Diana Borrero de Padro

Lake Ridge lost resident Edward V. Rowenhorst.

Tweets from users in and around Lake Ridge:

@JoeBoutte: White House looks like Mardi Gras. Flags all over and lots of students and tourists and DC residents celebrating.

@smithy4282: So Osama Bin Laden is dead. Guess he'll finally get his 71 virgins. Too bad it's a bunch of nerds arguing who's better, Kirk or Picard.

@MrsKniterati: RT @ShredderFeeder: Um. Wow. RT @citycynic RT @RyanTatusko: May 1st 1945 Hitler confirmed dead. May 1st 2011, Bin Laden confirmed dead.

@ButtonLadyNV: RT @MarineMuseum: How many of you will be flying your colors tomorrow to celebrate?

@nds0581: Obama 10% more likely to win re-election according to the intrade market after Bin Laden announcement. Was 59% earlier today, now 69%.

@takeoffyourkewl: RT @brettfriedman: Obama should say, "Here's my birth certificate, b--ches", drop Osama's head on the desk and peace out #OBL

@JoeBoutte: Good night all! Thank you Mr President, the National Security Team, and our Great Military for ensuring that justice was served.

@baileyxpark: So proud of this country and our allies. Unbelievable day for the men and women serving in and out of uniform.

Original story:

Osama bin Laden is dead, and the United States has his body, according to the Associated Press.

It has not yet been confirmed how bin Laden was killed or how the United States seized his body.

The President is about to make an unplanned speech to the nation to address the situation.

Does this news make you feel relieved or leave you with further concerns? In addition, if you or someone you know was affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, comment or send us an email. We'd like to include your voice in this developing story.

This is a developing story. Check back for further additions.