Despite delays, a photograph depicting terrorist ringleader Osama bin Laden’s dead body will be released for the world to see, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency director said Tuesday night.

Speaking to NBC News anchor Brian Williams, CIA director Leon Panetta insisted that “ultimately” everyone will know beyond reasonable doubt that one of the alleged masterminds of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is dead.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I think there’s no question that there were concerns that there were questions that had to be debated as to what sort of impact these photos would have,” he said. “But, the bottom line is that we got bin Laden and I think we have to reveal to the rest of the world the fact that we were able to get him and kill him.”

Panetta added that he believes “we’re a little safer today” because of the strike.

This video is from NBC News, broadcast Tuesday, May 3, 2011.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy