 Within moments of President Obama’s statement late Sunday night announcing the death of Osama bin Laden, reaction from across the globe began to pour in: 
 
 Former President George W. Bush: “Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the Al Qaeda network that attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude,” the former president said in a statement. Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “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.” 
 
 “I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. “The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.” 
 
 Former President Bill Clinton, who was in office for the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, also issued a written statement. I congratulate the president, the national security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous Al Qaida attacks.” 
 
 Tim Pawlenty, former Republican governor of Minnesota: “This is terrific news for freedom and justice.
– George W. Bush called the killing of Osama bin Laden a "victory for America." Members of the military and intelligence community who spent a decade chasing him "have our everlasting gratitude," he added. "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done." Read the full statement at the American Spectator. Bill Clinton also weighed in: "I congratulate the president, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaeda attacks." Mike Huckabee was more succinct, crowing: "Welcome to hell, bin Laden" in his statement. Gordon Felt, the president of the Families of Flight 93, noted: "It cannot ease our pain, or bring back our loved ones. It does bring a measure of comfort that the mastermind of the September 11th tragedy and the face of global terror can no longer spread his evil.” Check out the New York Times for comments from Mitt Romney, Rep. Harry Reid, Sen. John McCain, and more.