No measures to harden Southland potential targets against retaliatory terror strikes were immediately reported tonight following the announcement that U.S. forces had killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
"We have no operations set up at this time,'' said Deputy Jeff Gordon of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau. "We will deploy all resources and tactical responses necessary if warranted.''
The Los Angeles Police Department had no immediate comment on possible security measures stemming from the death of the man behind the 9/11 terror attacks.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, speaking at a small open-air Santa Monica memorial for California political consultant Kam Kuwata, announced at the end of her remarks that bin Laden was dead, the Los Angeles Times reported on its website.
Bin Laden's death was announced to the nation in Washington by President Barack Obama, who said U.S. authorities have the body in custody. After the president's speech, fireworks were heard in several communities, including Long Beach, Lakewood and Pacoima, the Times reported.
About 25 Jewish students at USC were just finishing a ceremonial dinner at the campus Chabad House when whispers began making their way around the table and diners became focused on their smart phones.
"Osama bin Laden is dead! It's on Twitter," one student finally said, according to The Times. The room erupted in cheers and high fives.
