Osama Bin Laden death: Celebrity reactions

Osama Bin Laden has been killed by the U.S. military after a decade-long hunt to avenge the 9/11 attacks, President Barack Obama has revealed.

The 54-year-old leader of Al Qaeda was dramatically killed last night in a firefight with American special forces in a $1million mansion hideout around 60 miles from Islamabad in Pakistan. 

Experts used facial recognition techniques to identify the slain terrorist and performed DNA tests, the results of which will be available in the coming days.

U.S. officials have reportedly told broadcaster CNN that Bin Laden's body has already been buried at sea in order to prevent the grave from becoming a shrine for extremists.

In a dramatic statement late last night, President Obama said the U.S. military had recovered the body and confirmed to the world he had finally been killed.

‘Tonight I can report to the American people and the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al Qaeda and a terrorist who is responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children,’ he said. 

‘Justice has been done’.

Officials said the body would be handled according to Islamic practice and tradition. That practice calls for the body to be buried within 24 hours. Saudi Arabia reportedly declined to take the body.

The death of Osama Bin Laden has prompted a huge reaction from the celebrity world this morning.
The al-Qaida leader's demise was announced this morning by US president Barack Obama, who confirmed that the terrorist was killed in a military operation in Pakistan.

Hollywood actor and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger: "I'm proud of our men and women in uniform. Wherever you are, take a minute to say thank you to one of the brave heroes who serve our country." 

Singer Lily Allen: "I know that Osama Bin Laden is dead, but if we could all stop for a minute to consider today's REAL news I'd very much appreciate it... It is my birthday."

CNN newsman Piers Morgan: "Bin Laden dead. Wow... What a moment for Obama. What a moment for America. Magnificent address by the President. And magnificent operation. This is his finest hour." 

Actress Christina Applegate: "Let me try this one more time... my heart raced when I heard the news. the terror he caused us was epic.the lives lost, too many."

West Wing star Rob Lowe: "Did we get Osama Bin Laden tonight?!! Is it true?!! #justice!!"

Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian: "Wow!!! "@CNN: Congressional and administration officials tell CNN Osama bin Laden is dead. He was reportedly killed in Afghanistan."

Talkshow host Carson Daly: "Osama bin laden is dead. Thank God. Turn on your TV or radio."

Daughter of Frank, Nancy Sinatra: "I've never celebrated anyone's death but I hope he was terrified &knew he was going to die just as his victims knew & were terrified."

Ex-Seinfeld star Jason Alexander: "Some 3000+ souls are resting a little easier tonight. Even with this triumph, it is all so damn senseless."

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand: "Will revenge be on peoples minds...does this antagonise....was there any other option...when will this all end in peace?? #worryingtimes"

Popstar Katy Perry: "AMERICA F**K YEAH, HERE TO SAVE THE MOTHER F**KIN DAY YEAH! #necessaryusageoftheFbombday I believe in justice... but don't u think that an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind? ☹ #revolutioncomesthroughlove #worldpeace But in general (& then after this I'll go back to being an opinion less popstar) It is a GREAT day 4 America & I'm PROUD 2 b an American!"

Actor Simon Pegg: "There's a slight sense in the more sensationalist media that the world just completed a particularly tricky video game."

Reality star Jack Osbourne: "F**k yeah!!! They killed #Osama. F**k that mother f**ker! Hope he rots in hell. Due to all the excitement about OBL being killed one of my dogs s**t in her crate and the other p*ssed in his dog bowl. wait....who the hell get the 80 million dollar reward?! i hope the SF trigger man gets it. Wait they dropped him in the ocean already? Are you freaking kidding me? #OsamaBinLadenDEAD ok its official...this is SHADY! No body, no proof. they should have brought him back 2 USA, and added him to the exhibit BODIES."

This Morning host Phillip Schofield: "Waking up to the news that, after a 10 year search, the Americans have finally found and shot dead Osama Bin Laden. Good news indeed. Let's hope this will one day be seen as the turning point on the road to peace and that we are a step closer to getting our troops home."

Saturdays star Rochelle Wiseman: "This Bank Holiday weekend has been a very historic one to say the least... It's like a Disney film...The Prince marries the Princess and the villain dies #justice".

Little Britain's Matt Lucas: "They want to know where the body is but apparently he's already bin laden to rest. #toosoon? Joking aside, amongst the relief and even celebration, today we must also remember those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001 x".

Comedian Russell Brand, in reference to his infamous sacking from MTV for dressing up as Bin Laden: "Well, tomorrow's outfit's sorted."

Actor Michael Keaton: "We, none of us will ever forget where we were on this historic day!!god bless all the families who were victims of 911-USA!... Obama said he would do it and he did!-4more years!"

Actor Jim Carrey: "Wow! They killed the Boogieman! I felt something was in the air tonight! Bin Laden era over! S'next? ?;^•"

Actress Olivia Munn: "Wait... Does it still count if Obama wasn't born in America? Damn. #Killhimbetternexttime."

Popstar Lady GaGa: "Just landed. Watching CNN, what a historical moment in the fight against hatred."

Actress Elizabeth Banks: "I am so psyched for our forces who took out OBL. I hope they are feeling as deeply proud of themselves as I'm feeling of them. Go JSOC."

Talkshow host Jimmy Fallon: "Got Bin Laden AND interrupted Celebrity Apprentice? Win for Obama all around."

Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton: "Rah rah, like a dungeon dragon! #Believe I do. Good does triumph over evil! And, if you're wicked, it's not too late to change your ways!"

YouTube star and singer Rebecca Black: "God bless America. God bless the world."