Obama: 'Justice has been done

"After Sept. 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word," Mayor Bloombergsaid.

"New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news," the mayor said. "It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001."

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly called Bin Laden's death a welcome "milestone."

Obama: 'Justice has been done

Authorities had been hunting for Bin Laden for nearly 10 years, mostly in the high mountains on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

U.S. troops had also bombed and raided a Bin Laden hideout in Tora Bora, Afghanistan, a network of caves deep in the mountains.

Bin Laden had vowed numerous times that he would never be taken alive.

News of the terror mastermind's death sparked wild celebrations from Ground Zero to the gates of the White House and around the world.

Even before the President appeared on TV, word filtered to New Yorkers, who have been forced to live life on constant guard for terrorist attacks because of Bin Laden's threat.

In Hell's Kitchen, people on cell phones passed the news to strangers and shouts of "He's dead!" began ringing along Ninth Ave. Strangers exchanged high-fives on sidewalks.

In Washington, a crowd gathered outside the White House, waving flags, singing the national anthem and chanting "U.S.A.! U.S.A.!"

"This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in Al Qaeda'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," formerPresident Bill Clinton said.

Former President George W. Bush said Obama called him Sunday with the news.

"The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done," Bush said.

One 9/11 worker, NYPD Detective John Walcott, who got sick working at Ground Zero, called it a "morale boost for the people who have been fighting in Afghanistan [for] 10 years."

"It shows the resilience of our troops, who have been hunting him all this time," Walcott said. "It is a sign to the rest of the world that the U.S. stays with it, does not forget. But people who weren't even in Al Qaeda when 9/11 happened will try to get revenge. \[It's\] far from over. In weeks and months to come, America better be on its toes."