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MSNBC is reporting President Obama is expected to announce that Osama bin Laden has been killed and that his body is in the possession of the United States government. The President will make the announcement official during a press conference tonight.

The Washington Post is reporting that bin Laden "was killed in a mansion close to the Pakistani capital."

Update: The President has confirmed that the CIA killed bin Laden during a fire fight at a compund in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The NY Times on how the government went about their task: "Mr. Obama said in his national address on Sunday night that it took months to firm up that information and last week he determined it was clear enough to authorize a secret operation in Pakistan. The forces attacked the compound in what Mr. Obama called a 'targeted operation' that left Mr. bin Laden dead. 'No Americans were harmed,' Mr. Obama said. 'They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.' President Obama noted that the operation that killed Mr. Bin Laden was launched with the cooperation of Pakistani officials, but the fact that Mr. Bin Laden killed in an deep inside Pakistan was bound once again to raise questions about just how much Pakistan is willing to work with the United States, since Pakistani officials denied for years that Mr. Bin Laden was in their country."

The NY Times on how the announcement was leaked: "According to Brian Williams, the 'NBC Nightly News' anchor, some journalists received a three-word e-mail that simply read, 'Get to work.'"

An evergrowing crowd has gathered outside of the White House celebrating the news of bin Laden's death. According to ABC News: "As the President began his statement announcing the death of Osama bin Laden inside the White House, a large crowd of people, about 200 and growing, had gathered outside the White House gates on Pennsylvania Avenue, waving flags and dancing. They sang the 'Star Spangled Banner' in unison and chanting 'USA! USA! USA!' They also just sang, 'Na na na na — na na na na …Hey hey goodbye' in reference to Osama bin Laden. The crowd is swelling by the minute. People are running to join the group with American flags and there is lots of dancing and cheering. Complete jubilation."

Crowds are also reportedly gathering outside of Times Square in New York City.

Mayor Bloomberg has released a statement: “After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word. The killing of Osama bin Laden does not lessen the suffering that New Yorkers and Americans experienced at his hands, but it is a critically important victory for our nation – and a tribute to the millions of men and women in our armed forces and elsewhere who have fought so hard for our nation. New Yorkers have waited nearly ten years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.”

Full text of Obama's statement here.

The news brings the possibility of increased terrorist attacks around the world: "U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world were placed on high alert following the announcement of bin Laden's death, a senior U.S. official said, and the U.S. State Department should be sending out a new 'worldwide caution' for Americans shortly. Some fear al Qaeda supporters may try to retaliate against U.S. citizens or U.S. institutions."

Former President George W. Bush has released a statement: "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 September 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. 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. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Video of President Obama's full televised address, AFTER THE JUMP.

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