All over the country, cries ranging from anger to elation rang out over the demise of a prominent figure in history. Osama bin Laden, head of the al-Qaida operation and one of the ringleaders behind the 9-11 attack, was shot and killed by US forces in Pakistan on May 1.    

For several months, President Obama and other top government officials had suspected that bin Laden had been hiding in a fortified compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. When it was confirmed that bin Laden was in fact living in the house, President Barack Obama authorized a team of elite US Navy SEALS to attack. The resulting firefight only lasted about forty minutes. No civilians were killed.

In an address given late Monday night, President Obama expressed his sympathy for the victims of 9/11, and commented that “justice has been done.”

Though it may be assumed this death could save many civilian’s lives, it may also prove to be a curse.

“Yes, it may be good for the United States, but it also puts many at risk since the al-Qaida may retaliate,” said sophomore Celeste Sadler. 

Bin Laden’s death was met by a wide array of reactions as some took to the street in celebration, while others displayed signs of anger.

“In some colleges, kids held these special, huge parties in celebration of his death,” said junior Ashley Irvin. 

Indeed, many Americans displayed their own sense of nationalism and patriotism by congregating both at the White House and in parts of New York to celebrate his death.