A jubilant crowd gathered on the northeast corner of Ground Zero less than half an hour after President Barack Obama officially announced a successful U.S. military operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.
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Traffic was stopped for blocks and dozens hoisted American flags, singing the national anthem in the shadow of the growing Freedom Tower, to commemorate the end of the nearly ten-year manhunt for the al-Qaida leader.
"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date," Obama said in his address to the nation. "On nights like this one, justice has been done."
Gallatin senior Lynn Hanson said she was not impressed when, in the midst of her preparations for a presentation, she heard chants of "U.S.A" in Union Square Park.
"It's eerily similar to the festivities that commenced after President Obama was elected," she said. "We're acting as if the death of a foreign person, who was definitely not a good person ... if conquering this person is akin to our progress as a country."
The celebration downtown was rowdy at times, as members of the crowd scaled street poles and showered the crowd with champagne. Others took advantage of traffic barriers and fences to raise themselves above the crowd, each delivering their own patriotic message.
Naqueeb Memon of Brooklyn traveled downtown wearing a shirt reading "I'm Muslim Don't Panic!" and led the crowd in a chant.
"Just like Obama said — we are not in a war against Islam," he said, pointing at his shirt. "I thought this would make that statement that we are not at war with Islam."
Gallatin freshman Nanci Tischler went to Union Square to take part in a smaller celebration because she said she wanted to "share the victory." She was, however, wary of possible violent reactions from al-Qaida.
"Living in New York City, there's nothing we can do," she said. "We just have to wait and see."
The NYPD has increased security measures as a precaution against potential retaliation from terrorist organizations.
The wounds from the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are still raw for many Americans. CAS freshman Alex Tretner, a New Jersey native, was friends with a boy whose father was injured in the attacks. For Tretner, bin Laden's death is a salve for the wounds of families who lost loved ones in the attacks, but it is not a cure-all for their grief.
"There can't be justice for what was done, but we can do what we can," he said. "Nothing can bring them back."
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg reacted positively to the news, which has a profound effect on many New Yorkers who witnessed the collapse of the World Trade Center nearly a decade ago.
"New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news," he said in a statement. "It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001."
