Thousands Gather In New York, Washington After Bin Laden Killed

People celebrate the announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden at the White House in Washington.

Cheering crowds gathered in New York, Washington, and across the United States following news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Thousands of people gathered in New York City at the site of the World Trade Center, whose twin towers were hit by planes hijacked by bin Laden's followers on September 11, 2001, in an attack which killed some 3,000 people. More cheering crowds gathered at New York's Times Square.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he hoped the news of bin Laden's death would comfort those who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001, attacks.

In Washington, crowds gathered outside the White House chanting "U.S.A., U.S.A." and waving flags.

Former President George W. Bush said the death of the world's most-wanted terrorist marked "a victory for America."

International reaction has also been coming in.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Bin Laden's death "will bring great relief" across the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the United States on "a victory for justice."

compiled from agency reports

New York City firefighters gather in Times Square in New York shortly after the announcement of bin Laden's death.