George W. Bush: Osama bin Laden's death a "victory for America"
Updated 4:30 p.m. ET
President Obama called former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton ahead of his address to the nation late Sunday night to announce that al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed
by U.S. forces in an operation in Pakistan.
Mr. Bush, who started the War on Terror in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks, released a statement shortly following Mr. Obama's remarks in which he called bin Laden's death a "victory for America."
"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," Mr. Bush said.
Mr. Bush also echoed the same sentiment as Mr. Obama in his remarks that the fight isn't over, saying: "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."
According to the Star-Telegram, Mr. Bush was eating dinner at a Dallas restaurant when word came in about bin Laden.
In his statement, Mr. Clinton called bin Laden's death "a profoundly important moment" for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and other attacks and for "people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and cooperation for our children."
More reaction from politicians and others
Full CBSNews.com coverage of bin Laden's death
You can watch President Obama's statement below:
