President Confirms Osama Bin Laden Dead; Local Military Mom Reacts to News

Osama bin Laden has been killed during a U.S. operation in Pakistan, the president announced Sunday night.

"After a firefight they (U.S. troops) killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body,” President Barack Obama said in a live address to the nation.

The president said no Americans were hurt in the operation.

“His death does not mark the end of our effort … we must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad,” Obama said.

U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, who is Murrieta's congresswoman, released this statement following the White House's announcement:

"Justice has been delivered to America's public enemy number one and the face of evil. Tonight's announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden means our nation has achieved a critical victory against terrorism.

"I congratulate our military and intelligence forces who have helped make our world a safer place by eliminating this grave threat.

"As the architect of 9-11, bin Laden's death has special meaning to all those who lost loved ones on that terrible day and my heart and prayers are with the victims and their families, and also to all of the soldiers who have given their lives in the fight against terrorism.

"This should send a clear message to terrorists around the world that no one is beyond the reach of justice and our great nation.

"While we must remain vigilant against terrorists and extremists wherever they lurk, it is my hope that the world is a safer place as a result of tonight's news."

Local Reaction

Murrieta resident Dawn Havens, , is a U.S. Marine serving in Afghanistan in an ongoing war that started with the U.S. invasion of Iraq, said she has mixed emotions right now.

"May 1, 1945 Germany announced Hitler is dead; May 1, 2011 U.S. announces Osama is dead. A day to celebrate indeed!" Havens said in an email to Murrieta Patch.

"We are thrilled that our Military has made history while giving many families a bit of bittersweet closure. How proud our family is for being AMERICANS.

"It is also scary knowing the Al-Qaeda network still carries evilness beyond one man. The fight against terrorism is something that will not go away in a day or a night because one man is dead. It does not mean our troops will come home any sooner. Retaliation is certain regardless to our vigilance. It is not a matter of if, but when. In fact, we need to be more aware and more prepared. 

"As proud parents of a Marine, we worry about his safety and all those that serve."

Havens and well as her husband Bill along with their two younger sons, have not heard from Josh yet, but hope to within the next 24 hours.

Josh is due back to North Carolina in mid-June, Dawn said.