Osama Bin Laden is Dead, President Announces

President Barack Obama announced Sunday evening during a nationwide broadcast that the United States killed Osama bin Laden.

Bin Laden is accused of being the master mind of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that killed almost 3,000 people when two suicide attacks by al-Qaeda targeted the Twin Towers in New York City and four commercial airliners were hijacked killing everyone on board. 

"The United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, leader of al Qaeda," President Obama said.

According to the President, bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in a firefight in Pakistan. Officials have bin Laden's body.

"I’m pleased and relieved that this has happened," said Alice Hoagland, whose son, Mark Bingham, died on United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. "We are taking in the news, and we are relieved that the terrorist who masterminded 9/11 has finally been brought to justice and brought to justice by the hands of the United States."

Hoagland lives in the Santa Cruz mountains and said her phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from other victims' families.

"It's been electric around here," Hoagland said. "I’ve missed my son everyday...and it feels that this is a little bit of closure for a terrible tragedy like 9/11."

Major news outlets across television offered their special reports on the announcement Sunday night, recounting the nearly 10 years since the deadly attacks.

The State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad, warning of "enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity  in Pakistan." The State Department advises people in areas with the potential for anti-American violence to stay close to their homes and hotels and "avoid mass gatherings."

"The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement of our country to date in our fight against al-Qaeda," Obama said.

You can watch President Obama's address here.