UMd. Students React to Osama Bin Laden's Death

Update, 2:45 a.m.: After a chant-filled march toward campus from Route 1, students headed to McKeldin Mall for an impromptu bonfire and a dip in the fountain. Photos to come.

Celebrations were mostly peaceful, with only one arrest on campus made after a man reportedly tried to take down a tent leftover from Maryland Day.

Update, 2:15 a.m.: Students are disbanding and heading towards the dorms and apartments. It is not known if the students left of their own accord or were asked by the police to leave the area, according to Patch reporters on the scene.

The area is littered with glass, toilet paper, trash, and aluminum from beer cans.

Update, 2:10 a.m.: The students have gathered on Knox Road near the 7-Eleven. One man was detained by police, but it's unclear if he was arrested.

Route 1 is now open, however, drivers are encouraged to proceed with caution. Our Patch reporter on the scene estimates the crowd at approximately 150 students.

Update, 1:45 a.m.: Patch reporters on the scene said that police are in their vehicles and slowly driving towards the students to encourage them to get off the street. Route 1 at Knox Road is completely blocked.

Original post, 1:30 a.m.: News of Osama bin Laden's death swept across The University of Maryland's campus late Sunday night, causing students to spill out onto Route 1 in celebration.

Approximately 250 students have gathered peacefully — although somewhat raucous — in solidarity in reaction to reports of bin Laden's death in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Students are singing the National Anthem and throwing toilet paper, according to Patch reporters on the scene.

Traffic on northbound Route 1 is currently blocked, and one southbound lane is blocked as well.

Prince George's County Police have agreed to let the students stay out another 30 minutes and then will ask them to leave.