Last evening, as we learn about the death of Osama bin Laden, we’re seeing firsthand what happens when the real-time, immediate notifications of Facebook and Twitter meet real-world events. It’s not the first time, but the death of Osama Bin Laden is truly a global event in the way that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage on Friday was not, or even what the protests in Egypt and Libya are not. It took all the attention of the Beatification of Pope John Paul II.

While there are doubtless plenty of Americans who will wake up tomorrow to be greeted with the news that a special operations mission has killed bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, millions discovered the news Sunday night on Twitter or Facebook. And while they may have tuned into the news on television, many more watched the live stream from the White House on the web, or streamed it from Al-Jazeera, CNN or countless other sites offering the news in real time. And some likely followed it via Twitter for far longer than the brief address.

Update: After President Obama’s speech last night, Twitter said it was fielding about 4,000 tweets a second.

With the news that Al Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden has been killed by American forces at the leader’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, Twitter has been abuzz with people celebrating the demise of the elusive terrorist who plotted the 9/11 attacks nearly 10 years ago.

“I predict that Osama’s picture will get little more than a smattering of tepid applause on the next Emmy “In Memoriam” reel.” — Seth MacFarlane

“I’m proud of our men and women in uniform. Wherever you are, take a minute to say thank you to one of the brave heroes who serve our country” — Arnold Schwarzenegger

“Does Elton John do a bin laden version of ‘Candle in the Wind’… ‘Like a giant hellish fireball in the wind…’ ” — Adam McKay

“I really hope bin laden didn’t get reincarnated as one of Mariah Carey’s babies. — Jimmy Kimmel

“Wow! They killed the Boogieman! I felt something was in the air tonight! Bin Laden era over! S’next? ?;^•” — Jim Carrey

Need to sleep. Too excited. About Bin Ladan and the cover story of how it happened. He probably Choked on a macaroon. — Judd Apatow

“AMERICA BROUGHT IT — TEAM BRING IT FOREVER PROUD.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“Somali pirates, Gaddafi’s son, now bin Laden – do NOT f— with Obama, he’s Gangsta!!” —Bill Maher

“No matter how collected Obama is during his speech, he’s hearing LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” blasting in his head.” — Patton Oswalt

“I know that Osama Bin Laden is dead, but if we could all stop for a minute to consider today’s REAL news I’d very much appreciate it. It is my birthday, I am 26.” — Lily Allen

“What a moment for Obama. What a moment for America. Magnificent address by the President. And magnificent operation. This is his finest hour.” — Piers Morgan

“Everyone is sitting around my living room, mouths agape. Wow, what a night. Thank you, Mr. President, for such an eloquent speech.” — Neil Patrick Harris

“Just landed. Watching CNN, what a historical moment in the fight against hatred.” — Lady Gaga

“I am so psyched for our forces who took out OBL. I hope they are feeling as deeply proud of themselves as I’m feeling of them. Go JSOC.” — Elizabeth Banks

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