The White House called an emergency press conference late Sunday night in which President Barack Obama confirmed to a national television audience that the U.S. launched a targeted operation under the president’s direction. Forces killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.

Bin Laden was the leader of al Qaeda, responsible for the September 11 attacks against the U.S.

However, “his death does not mark the end of our effort,” President Obama said in his address. “We must – and we will – remain vigilant at home and abroad.”