Senior celebrates announcement outside White House

Within an hour of senior Chrissy Carney hearing the news of Osama bin Laden's death, she was standing in front of the White House.

Along with students, veterans and active military members alike, she stayed at the White House until the early morning hours to celebrate with patriotism.

In the wake of Osama bin Laden's death, Americans around the country, including those in Washington, D.C., gathered in public places to engage in cheering, chanting and general revelry.

"There wasn't a second of moderate silence," Carney said. "At one point, people formed a break dance circle in front of the White House."

Carney was visiting her home in Silver Spring, Md. when she heard of bin Laden's death at approximately 12 a.m. She called a couple of her friends from high school and sped to Washington.

"It was amazing," she said. "I high-fived Geraldo Rivera."

Rivera is an American TV journalist who often appears on the Fox News network.

Carney said crowds congregated in front of the White House until approximately 4 a.m. Students from neighboring colleges, such as George Washington University and Georgetown University, crowded the area, mingling with local residents, veterans and active military members.  

The mob broke out into thunderous cheers and renditions of the national anthem.

"It was an immense amount of patriotism and pride in being American," Carney said. "There were so many people there and everyone felt so united. It was awesome."