President George W. Bush Congratulates Obama on Bin Laden Killing

Sept. 14, 2001: President George W. Bush addresses rescue workers at Ground Zero (Reuters)

Former President George W. Bush congratulated President Obama and the members of the military after learning that the U.S. has successfully killed Usama bin Laden.

“This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001,” Bush said in a statement. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message:  No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”

A number of politicians released statements heralding the effort and Obama's handling of the strike. All praised the relentless pursuit by the U.S. military and the actions taken by the intelligence community.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said, "I want to congratulate -- and thank -- the hard-working men and women of our Armed Forces and intelligence community for their tireless efforts and perseverance that led to this success. I also want to commend President Obama and his team, as well as President Bush, for all of their efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice."

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Bin Laden’s killing a “tremendous victory” and thanked the military and intelligence community for their skill and dedication.

“Nothing can bring back Bin Laden's innocent victims, but perhaps this can help salve the wounds of their loved ones,” she said in a statement.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called the killing a “significant development in our fight against Al Qaeda.”

“I salute President Obama, his national security team, Director Panetta, our men and women in the intelligence community and military, and other nations who supported this effort for their leadership in achieving this major accomplishment,” she said in a statement.

Americans gathered in jubilant crowds to cheer, sing and applaud early Monday after the president announced that Usama bin Laden was killed.

Among the celebratory sites was the World Trade Center area, where the twin towers once stood in Lower Manhattan. Many there waved American flags or took pictures.

The group broke into spontaneous cheers and song, including a rendition of Lee Greenwood's "I'm Proud to be an American."

Farther uptown in Times Square, dozens stood together on the clear spring night, making calls and snapping photos. An FDNY sports utility vehicle drove by and flashed its lights and sounded its siren, and the crowd broke into applause. A man held an American flag and others sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Former President Bill Clinton, who was in office for the first World Trade Center bombing, said in a statement, "I congratulate the president, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Usama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous Al Qaeda attacks."

The Associated Press contributed to this report