Who shot Osama bin Laden? Two Navy Seals go head to head
US military leaders condemn Robert O’Neill and Matt Bissonnette after both claim they shot Osama bin Laden
A row has broken out over who killed Osama bin Laden after an ex-Navy Seal Robert O’Neill said in an interview that contrary to previous claims, it was he who fired the fatal shot.
O'Neill told the Washington Post that he was one of dozens of US special operators who stormed the reclusive leader’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on 2 May, 2011.
According to O’Neill’s account, he was the first to enter Bin Laden’s room and fired a round that hit the terrorist leader in the forehead, killing him instantly.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, the story varies from the description offered by another member of Seal Team Six, Matt Bissonnette, who claims in his controversial 2012 account of the raid, No Easy Day, that he shot and killed Bin Laden.
O’Neill’s new claims reportedly angered other ex-special forces personnel who usually maintain a strict code of silence over their operations. O’Neill had previously been interviewed anonymously about the mission by Esquire magazine, but his decision to reveal his identity publically in a forthcoming interview with Fox News prompted a website run by ex-special forces to publish his name in advance.
The website quotes from a letter signed by force master chief of the Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) Michael Magaraci and Rear Admiral Brian Losey. The two men condemn O’Neill and Bissonnette for publicising their roles in the raid.
The post, written by a former CIA officer who goes by the name of Frumentarius says: "Leaving little doubt of the disdain that they, and others in the community, feel toward breaches of the SEAL ethos, Rear Admiral Brian Losey, Commander of NSWC, and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci state that violators of that ethos 'are neither teammates in good standing, nor teammates who represent Naval Special Warfare.' "
He continues: "They reiterate that a central part of the ethos is not advertising the nature of their work, nor seeking recognition for particular actions."
The US government’s official account of what happened is unlikely to be published for many years, the BBC says.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Week Unwrapped: Who will be the first trillionaire?
Podcast Plus, what has the Pope been doing in Asia? And why is ketamine addiction on the rise?
By The Week Staff Published
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures A pair of swans, a flooded street, and more
By Anahi Valenzuela, The Week US Published
-
Sam Leith picks his favourite children's books
The Week Recommends The author and journalist chooses works from Nicholas Fisk, Richard Adams and more
By The Week UK Published
-
A brief history of third parties in the US
In Depth Though none of America's third parties have won a presidential election, they have nonetheless had a large impact on the country's politics
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Modern royal scandals from around the world
The Explainer From Spain to the UAE, royal families have often been besieged by negative events
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Zelenskyy says 31,000 troops dead in 2 years of war
Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a rare official military death toll
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published