The Navy SEAL Team Six member who shot and killed Osama bin Laden in 2011 has been identified as Rob O'Neill.
O'Neill, 38, served in the Navy for 16 years and retired as a senior petty officer. He earned 52 medals during his military career, including three Presidential Unit citations, two Silver Stars, and four Bronze Stars for valor. Now a paid inspirational speaker, his identity was revealed just a week before a scheduled interview on Fox News.
The New York Daily News reports that O'Neill's name was first reported on SOFREP.com, and was confirmed to the Daily Mail by O'Neill's father, Tom. "People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public," Tom O'Neill told the Daily Mail. "I say I'll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us."
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Not everyone is happy with O'Neill coming forward; Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci and Rear Adm. Brian Losey of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare both wrote a letter last month reminding former SEALs that "a critical tenant of our Ethos is 'I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.' Our Ethos is a life-long commitment and obligation, both in and out of the Service. Violators of our Ethos are neither Teammates in good standing, nor Teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare."
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