UPDATED: Elected Officials React to News of Bin Laden's Death

UPDATED -- Elected officials and lawmakers have begun to respond to the news of Osama Bin Laden's death.

Congressman James McGovern (MA — 3rd) issued a brief statement via Facebook late last night concerning the announcement.

"Like all Americans, I felt great relief and a sense of gratitude as I listened to the President's announcement about the death of Obama bin Laden," wrote McGovern. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the men and women in our intelligence and military operations who have labored for a decade to carry out this mission."

Senator Scott Brown issued his own statement Monday morning.

“This is a great day for America and our allies across the free world," said Brown. "Osama Bin Laden has finally gotten the justice he deserved. I commend President Obama, former President Bush and the highly capable men and women in our military and intelligence community whose tireless work over the last decade made this day possible. It is also a time to reflect on the victims of 9/11 and their families, as well as those who have died across the world fighting terrorism. Let this be a lesson that there is no sanctuary in the world for America's enemies.”

Sen. John Kerry's office posted a statement on his official Facebook account late Monday morning.

"The killing of Osama bin Laden closes an important chapter in our war against extremists who kill innocent people around the world," wrote Kerry. "We are a nation of peace and laws, and people everywhere should understand that our ten-year manhunt was in search of justice not revenge.  Terrorists everywhere must never doubt that the United States will hunt them down no matter where they are, no matter how long it takes.

 "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of our intelligence agencies and our military for their tireless dedication and enormous sacrifice to bring justice to a man responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11 and thousands more men, women, and children around the world.

 "I commend President Obama and his national security team for never forgetting the need to secure justice for those who lost their lives nearly 10 years ago and for those who have lost their lives in the war against extremism that continues today.

 "A single death does not end the threat from Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups. We must remain vigilant and committed to keeping the world safe and secure."

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UPDATED -- Major news outlets reporting that Osama bin Laden is dead.  Thoughts and prayers to 9/11 families.

President addressed the nation at 11:35 p.m. President confirmed Laden is dead.

"I can report to the American people and to the world, that the US has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden," President.

"Shortly after taking office, I directed…the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority..." said the President to the nation. "at my direction, the US launched a targeted operation … No Americans were harmed…After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden”

“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," said the President.

"To the families of 9/11, we have never forgotten your loss," said the President to the nation.

Click here to see the complete transcript of Obama's remarks.

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