President Barack Obama confirmed to the nation Osama Bin Laden was killed at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan after a firefight some time on Sunday. Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11,2001 attacks, was killed by U.S. special forces in a mansion.

In his address to the nation, the president said Bin Laden was killed during a mission he authorized based on a lead the government received.

“Finally last week, I determined we had enough intelligence,” Obama said.

The president said “justice has been done” for those affected by the terrorist attacks.

“The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory,” Obama said. “And yet we know the worst images are those unseen to the world…Nearly 3,000 citizens were taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts…On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, we were united as one people.”

President Obama warned the United States should continue to be vigil.

“There’s no doubt al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us,” he said.

The death of Bin Laden marks a major victory in the United States war against terrorism.

“His demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity,” the president said. “As a country, we will never stand for our security being threatened.”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., issued a statement regarding the death of bin Laden.

“Osama bin Laden murdered thousands of Americans, yet evaded justice for years,” Stabenow said. “Our country is united in gratitude to the brave men and women of our intelligence and counter terrorism community and our troops for their sacrifices in keeping us safe from terror.