"And that's how you should feel. How many of them all get out and write books?, The bin Laden mission was just another day at the office, said Bissonnette, though being a SEAL is the kind of job not everyone survives. In the end, the department did not bring any criminal charges, settling instead for the cash forfeitures. But as is often said at the Pentagon, No plan survives contact with the enemy a quote variously attributed to Napoleon, Dwight Eisenhower, or George Patton. Monitor journalism changes lives because we open that too-small box that most people think they live in. The first SEAL in the stack, the point man, sees a tall man stick his head out of the bedroom door on the third floor. Whatever he [O'Neill] says, he says. Were known as being fair even as the world becomes as polarized as at any time since the newspapers founding in 1908. Former Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill said in an interview with The Washington Post that he was the one who fired the final shot to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011. . Matt Mervis is a 25-homer guy in the majors tomorrow with no change in approach. though without naming either O'Neill or Matt Bissonnette, author of No Easy Day. I just remember combat SEALs laughing at it the first time they read it. I say I'll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us O'Neill's father Tom on the SEAL being attacked by former commanders. , updated Following this, senior Pentagon officials told CNN that the conclusions they reached were that Bissonnette was wrong in his version of events. Directed by Nenad Cicin-Sain, written by Bill Carter. Free shipping for many products! People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public. Matt Mervis for 2023 Fantasy and the Waiver Wire Unlike ONeill, however, Bissonnette is under investigation by the federal government, which is trying to determine whether he disclosed classified information in his first book. However, another probe has been launched to investigate details disclosed at speeches across the U.S. Last year, he spoke at a golf club in Atlanta where visitors were instructed to deposit their phones at the door and were barred from taking notes. Despite his 16 years of service, O'Neill told the magazine that the SEALs had offered to get him a job delivering beer in Michigan, which he compared to witness protection for Mafia turncoats. It's likely why the SEAL Admiral and Master Chief sent out a stern letter seemingly directed at Matt Bissonette and Robert O'Neill with regards to their media blitz. Former Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill has suggested that he fired the fatal shot that killed Osama bin Laden. 'All members exposed to classified information have a duty obligation to protect this information, regardless of what may be reflected in the media, accurately or otherwise. O'Neill grew up in Butte, Montana, a former copper mining boomtown that has now fallen on hard times. 'There is no way ONeill could really prove it was he who took the fatal shot on Osama bin Laden unless his comrades all attested to it. But he said the amount of friction in that world is very sad, and knows he may have contributed to it by writing his first book. Screenwriter Mark Boal said he had access to sources who had helped him with an unproduced screenplay about the 2001 raid on bin Ladens Tora Bora hideout, and that he spoke to people in the military and the CIA about details of the raid. President. Mr. Bissonnette wrote in No Easy Day that he was one of the SEALs who shot Bin Laden, and he and Robert ONeill, another former SEAL Team 6 member who claims his shots were the fatal ones, have competed on the lecture circuit. Its either OK to talk shop or it isnt., I have 40 names in the contact list of my cell phone that are dead. That appears to be a reference to unfounded claims of irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. We have a mission beyond circulation, we want to bridge divides. I dont want to touch that.'. logged you out. I acknowledge my mistake and have paid a stiff price, both personally and financially, for that error, he said. It also could be the case that more than one SEAL is responsiblee.g., bin Laden was shot numerous times in the chest after he first wentdown. His first stage appearance was at the age of seventeen as one of the young collector in an Alley production of the play A Streetcar Named Desire, while in high school. ", at least 30 generals and admirals that haven't resigned, SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Secret Chinese Police Stations in Europe Are 'Tip of the Iceberg', Trump's Attorney Just Blew Carroll Rape Case, King Charles Says Royals Require 'Acting Ability', Ukraine Will Regain 'Significant Territory' From Russia, Florida GOP Paves the Way to Help Ron DeSantis Challenge Trump. Sources who know and worked with ONeill said his version of events showed cracks almost from the night of the raid itself, The Daily Beast reported back in 2014 when the Fox News special on ONeill aired. And that's it,'" he said. Former teammate Matt Bissonnette published the initial first-person account about the raid, "No Easy Day," using the pen name Mark Owen and . Bin Laden's wife was screaming and O'Neill realised that a child was present too - bin Laden's youngest son. Mr. Biden had shown the kids pictures of his family, including a photo of his grandson under the Resolute Desk, likethe iconic pictureof John F. Kennedy Jr. Nina got to sit in the presidents chair and pose for pictures under the desk. 'He was one of the quiet professionals performing the most difficult tasks in the most difficult circumstances, serving his remarkable career in the shadows and keeping America safe in the process.'. Rob O'Neill branded a LIAR by fellow SEAL Team Six members Navy SEALs are meant to keep quiet about their deadly missions around the world. After participating in May 2011's Operation Neptune Spear with SEAL Team Six, O'Neill was the subject of controversy for claiming to be the sole individual to kill Osama bin Laden. Bissonnette, who left the Navy in April 2012, was the first SEAL from the bin Laden mission to cut a business deal based on his participation. His head split open on the second shot, he says. A Defense Department official told NBC News Tuesday that at the Defense Department's request, the Justice Department is investigating whether Bissonnette revealed classified information. All rights reserved. His decision to talk came nearly two years after another team member, Matt Bissonnette, published a controversial account of the raid in the book titled, "No Easy Day."It also follows what O . Get stories that empower and uplift daily. O'Neill is not the only one who has come under fire. Offering never before shared details, the presentation will include The Shooters experience in confronting Bin Laden, his description of the terrorist leaders final moments as well as what happened when he took his last breath, according to Fox. Aug 22: difference between nascar cup and xfinity series cars . And Rob said if this guy could be a SEAL, then so could he.'. How can you be holding it against me?. The SEAL Team Six member who was named as the man who shot Osama bin Laden dead is facing a whispering campaign from other SEALs claiming that his account of the killing is not truthful. But the killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden by SEAL Team Six who was the shooter is causing considerable public debate within the SEAL community. Two different people telling two different stories for two different reasons, said Matt Bissonnette in an interview with NBC News. matt bissonnette vs robert o'neill matt bissonnette vs robert o'neill. [21] O'Neill has also published two books: Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. If for no other reason than he knows one thing for sure about that nightit was a collective effort, no matter whos gun the bullet came from (and all the arguing about it after the fact). Ex-Navy Seal Robert O'Neill, 38, has told the Washington Post in an interview that he fired the fatal shot. A weekly update on music, movies, cultural trends, and education solutions. In the Esquire interview his wife spoke about her concerns over a retaliatory attack. Robert J. O'Neill Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family In that interview, published in March 2013, he said that he burst into bin Laden's bedroom, saw a gun within bin Laden's reach, and shot him in the forehead. funny ways to say home run grassroots elite basketball Menu . Mr. Luskin said the fees dated back as far as 2006, when Mr. Bissonnette was the research and development representative for his squadron within Team 6. By continuing to browse the site He helped save SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the one man who lived to tell of a failed mission to capture a Taliban leader in Afghanistan. In total he was deployed on more than a dozen tours of duty in active combat, in four different warzones, including Iraq and Afghanistan. He even says he could feel the tension when he and the rest of SEAL Team Six flew to Fort Campbell a few days later to meet President Barack Obama. [2] On his own, Bissonnette followed up with the films Who Loves the Sun in 2006, [3] Passenger Side in . I knew it was him immediately, ONeill says. We do not abide willful or selfish disregard for our core values in return for public notoriety and financial gain, which only diminishes otherwise honorable service, courage and sacrifice., Then theres the fog of war that envelopes any combat mission of the type that took down bin Laden: at night, deep inside foreign territory, and with the high likelihood of unknown events such as the crash of one of the SEALs helicopters in Abbottabad. Robert O'Neill says he shot bin Laden in the head Credit: AP:Associated Press 16 Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette wrote a book claiming he killed bin Laden Then there is SEAL Team Six's most. [7], O'Neill told Esquire that he found himself in a United States Navy recruiting office after a relationship breakup. Hatch pointed out that leadership had allowed active-duty SEALs to participate in the movie Act of Valor, a fictionalized account of SEAL missions against terrorists around the globe. 'He is not allowed to talk, yet they are using this big bullhorn to shut him up,' he said. The Christian Science Monitor has expired. Advertisement Matt Bissonnette will pay the US government more than $6.6 million (5.8 million euros) for violating. The two leaders made it clear that O'Neill's decision to go public translates into shame among former SEALs, and that he could even face legal action. In his book Bissonnette said that bin Laden was on the floor having already been shot when he and other SEALs entered his room, having been fired upon by another SEAL when he craned his head into the hall as the team approached. We shouldn't be cowering in fear.'. I watched cool guys do cool stuff, and then I did something cool., the Somali pirates who boarded Captain Richard Phillips ship in April 2009, Tickle Me Kaczynski: How the Inventor of the Ultimate Elmo Toy Became a Unabomber Suspect, Real Italians Put Hot Dogs and French Fries on Their Pizza, The Other Drug War: Inside the World of Counterfeit Viagra, The $65 Million Art Heist That Put Oceans Eleven to Shame. Ex-SEAL Robert O'Neill reveals himself as shooter who killed Osama bin Your subscription to In addition to the $6.8 million he's losing for the book and speaking, Bissonette's $180,000 fine comes from the consulting work he did for Ops-Core, S&S. Copyright 2023 IBTimes LLC. contact customer service Forty. These special forces operators, meant to be silent-but-deadly in their shadowy forays around the world, arent supposed to be popping off publicly about their exploits certainly not boasting for credit or financial gain. This much is also true: One of those SEALs fired the kill shot that, at least emotionally, brought some closure to 9/11, if not everything thats happenedsince. [8] O'Neill claimed in 2014 that he left the military because he no longer felt "adrenaline when people are shooting, and I knew that that could lead to complacency because if I am not afraid of, that I might wind up doing something stupid thinking that I can't get hurt". Doesnt that seem odd to people? The point man - the still nameless SEAL - then entered the room and zip-tied the two women he had already grabbed. In 2014, two officers who run the Naval Special Warfare Command fired off a stern warning letter to all SEAL teammates about seeking fame. Ex-SEAL Member Who Wrote Book on Bin Laden Raid Forfeits $6.8 Million, https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/us/bin-laden-book-seal-team-6.html. Organizations he has addressed have praised him for the quality of his speech. 2023 Tribeca Festival: Opening and Closing Nights Lineup | IndieWire Several accounts have claimed that an unnamed point man fired the fatal bullets that put down the Al-Qaeda leader. After No Easy Day was published, said the former senior leader, Bissonnette sent a text to the commander of SEAL Team Six. At 25 years old, it would be easy to write him off, but he was a college guy who lost 2020. 21:13 BST 06 Nov 2014 He also conceded that criticism from other SEALs, even if theyre strangers, can be painful. We change lives. Now, the Navy is investigating whether he revealed classified information. Joint Service Commendation Medals are given for senior service on a joint military staff and is the most senior of the commendation medals. Former Team Six member Matt Bissonnette, who wrote a bestseller under a pseudonym about shooting bin Laden, is about to publish his second book about being a Navy SEAL. At 19 he went to a Navy recruiter's office in an attempt to get over his lost love. Martin Gould for MailOnline, SEAL source: 'The real shooter would never discuss it publicly there's a reasonable, Revealed: How Iraq's military is fighting back ISIS under the guidance of IRAN'S powerful general, EXCLUSIVE: Navy SEAL who killed bin Laden revealed. 'We will actively seek judicial consequence for members who willfully violate the law, and place our Teammates, our Families, and potential future operations at risk.'. 'We were expecting someone who was 6 ft. 8 in. [13] In 2015, he became a contributor to the cable news channel Fox News,[12] though had left the company by August 2021, instead appearing on competitor Newsmax TV that October. Mr. Bissonnette also recently forfeited $180,000 in fees for consulting work that he did for military contractors while he was still on the SEAL team, his lawyer, Robert D. Luskin, said in an interview. Around the same time, Bergen wrote: According to present and former members of SEAL Team Six, the point man who fired the shot that likely mortally wounded bin Laden will never in a million years speak publicly about his role in theraid., ONeills voice rises a few decibels when I ask him about the varying accounts of who actually killed bin Laden. His second book, No Hero, comes out next week. A DoD investigation also revealed that Bissonnette and six other SEALs had served as advisers on the video game, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, at Bissonnettes urging. O'Neill, who was a supporter of Trump,[18] responded with a series of tweets, including "It was not a body double. He was decorated 52 times, leaving as senior chief petty officer. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award overall. In his book, he does not identify the man who fired the fatal shots at Bin Laden, referring to him as simply the "Point Man". Matt Bissonnette (director), Canadian film director and screenwriter. And Im going to argue that we change lives precisely because we force open that too-small box that most human beings think they live in. Bin Laden collapsed. "[19] That same month, CNN published an interview with retired Admiral William H. McRaven; the former flag officer who oversaw Neptune Spear responded to the claims mentioning that "Rob O'Neill, the SEAL that, in fact, shot bin Laden".[20]. As he tells it, while the other SEALs were clearing nearby rooms and exchanging fire with bin Ladens bodyguards, he and a point man moved through the compound to the third floor. Said Hatch, The same leadership that promoted and produced Act of Valor now want to punish people who did some heavy lifting. Mr. Luskin said that the $180,000 came from Ops-Core, a helmet maker now owned by the Gentex Corporation in Carbondale, Pa., and two tactical-gear manufacturers based in Virginia Beach S&S Precision and London Bridge Trading. Log in to hide ads. Both men now face scorn from some brother SEALs. Matt Bissonnette, a member of SEAL Team Six, wrote in his 2012 book No Easy Day that this point man was still on active duty and was bin Laden's true killer. The SEALs then head through the door, and the first SEAL pushes two women aside. By the time Robert O'Neill entered Osama bin Laden's bedroom in the Abbottabad compound . Former SEAL Robert O'Neill describes the raid that killed Osama bin Laden Did Robert O'Neill really kill bin Laden?(Opinion) | CNN In the course of those tours he undertook more than 400 separate combat missions. Reuters. A SEAL whose identity still remains secret was the first man to reach the top of the stairs leading to the third floor of Bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. O'Neill was the man on the ground we have never heard of but know exists,' it read. Nina was prepared with a question for press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the kids briefing that morning with offspring of White House reporters, but she wasnt called on. He thinks he might have.. When asked whether Bissonnette remained under investigation, Kirby said, Im not going to speak to the details of an investigation, but I can tell you that there is an investigation ongoing regarding the book No Easy Day and some of the assertions in it.. I dont want to touch that.. Matt Bissonnette - Wikipedia This is nonsense. He agreed to be interviewed on a Fox News special next week called 'The Man Who Killed Osama bin Laden. In the corner of the room, Bin Ladens 2-year-old son was wobbling on his two chubby legs, crying. In the end, though, O'Neill did asserted that his shots were the ones that killed Osama bin Laden, counter to other accounts of the raid, including the one retold in fellow SEAL Matt Bissonnette's . Who shot Osama bin Laden? He fires at least one shot. But he has been heavily criticized for speaking out. And not one of those names did it for political gain or Hollywood., Bissonnette told NBC News he almost has to laugh when he hears about the code of silence. We talk about the aftermath of Rob O'Neill coming out publicly, along with his fellow SEAL who was a part of the raid, Matt Bissonnette (AKA Mark Owen). Matt Bissonnette may refer to: Matt Bissonnette (author), former U.S. Navy Seal who published the book No Easy Day under the pen name Mark Owen. Robert O'Neill, the former SEAL identified in several news accounts as the "shooter" who fired the fatal shot to bin Laden's head at close range, now says "it doesn't matter" who did so. It follows last year's Esquire magazine interview by Sharon Stone's ex-husband Phil Bronstein in which his identity was kept secret. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. ), Ex-SEAL Matthew Bissonnette Probed Over Book on Bin Laden Raid, Exclusive: Mole Who Met Bin Laden Killed by Al Qaeda in Bosnia, Six Potential Al Qaeda Leaders Killed Since Bin Laden Raid, According to the Esquire story, when asked by an Obama administration official which SEAL had shot bin Laden, ONeill responded, We all did it., That response was in line with the SEAL code, and won him goodwill with fellow SEALs. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. You should feel gross. With Vesna Andree Zaimovi, Senad Zaimovi, Enes Zlatar, Alma Catal Hurem, Boris Siber . But their dueling narratives are a sign of the backbiting and dysfunction that has roiled a once tight-knit band of warriors as former members violate their code of secrecy in search of the spotlight. If you have questions about your account, please Anyone can read what you share. For O'Neill, the threat is a devastating fall from a position as a national if unknown hero. Who shot Osama bin Laden? Two Navy Seals go head to head - The Week UK All Rights Reserved. and Matt Bissonnette, . Produced by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Sarah Anthony. Later, more SEALs show up. He decided to tell them about his actions. "[15], As of August2020[update], the federal government of the United States had neither confirmed nor denied O'Neill's claims,[16] though Rear Admiral Brian L. Losey and Force Master Chief Michael Magaraci did encourage all SEALs to abide by their code of silence, saying, "At Naval Special Warfare's core is the SEAL ethos [] A critical tenant [sic] of our ethos is 'I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.' After a teammate shoots bin Laden Bissonnette puts more bullets into him and helps finish him off. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Benedict Matthew Bissonnette, usually credited as Matt Bissonnette, is a Canadian film director and writer. Because this version of events differs from the account that the White House and other U.S. officials have given, Adm. William McRaven, the head of U.S. Special Operations Command personally went back to the head of Team Six to examine the contradicting claims. NEARLY MINT! Robert Tonner ANDY MILLS 17" DOLL Matt O'Neill - eBay Magaraci and commander Rear Adm. Brian Losey, made it clear that the vow of silence remains one of the most important tenets of SEAL life. SEAL Team Six member Matt Bissonnette claimed in his book No Easy Day that O'Neill did not deliver the fatal shot. [5], A fan of the Washington Redskins,[5] O'Neill was able to meet the team[6] a week after his claim of shooting bin Laden was publicized in 2014. I am amazed that there hasn't been at least 30 generals and admirals that haven't resigned or been fired today. At Naval Special Warfares core is the SEAL Ethos, said the letter, signed by Rear Adm. Brian Losey and Master Chief Michael Magaraci. Some of Bissonnettes peers also took issue with the book, which became a No. Although he had previously been interviewed about the shooting of bin Laden, he remained entirely discreet about his role. Its hard for me to take when I've been reading books my whole life about former special operations warriors, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. This website uses cookies to People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public. After participating in May 2011's Operation Neptune Spear with SEAL Team Six, O'Neill was the subject of controversy for claiming to be the sole individual to kill Osama bin Laden . Navy SEAL Who Claims To Have Shot Bin Laden Banned From Delta For My retweet of his post on Nina and Mr. Bidengot a lot of love.Does Nina want to be a journalist when she grows up? Youll get the Monitor Weekly magazine, the Monitor Daily email, and unlimited access to CSMonitor.com. The member of SEAL Team Six claiming to have shot and killed Osama bin Laden in a daring night raid in May 2011 is Robert O'Neill, multiple news sources have confirmed. Stay informed about the latest scientific discoveries & breakthroughs. O'Neill claims the fatal shot was his. Cool. His tale comes nearly two years after a colleague, Matt. Were about kicking down the door of thought everywhere and saying, You are bigger and more capable than you realize. 'The families told me it helped bring them some closure,' he told the paper. The encounter with bin Laden takes about 15 seconds, and only two men, ONeill and the point man, are in the room. Were run by a church, but were not only for church members and were not about converting people. If youre looking for bran muffin journalism, you can subscribe to the Monitor for $15. A draft report of the internal investigation later showed that CIA Director Leon Panetta had revealed some classified details during an event at CIA headquarters. He went on to explain how he would go about rescuing Americans who are still in Kabul. When he published the book No Easy Day on Sept. 4, 2012, he used the pen name Mark Owen and pledged much of the proceeds to charity, but he still became persona non grata with his command and many former comrades. This contradicts the account of Matt Bissonnette, another former Seal involved in the . US Navy/Wikipedia. "But we won't because we have a commander-in-chief that was put there through whatever happened at four in the morning on election night. At Naval Special Warfares core is the SEAL Ethos, it read. Bronze Stars with Valor are awarded for merit, signifying a heroic act and direct participation in combat operations. Were seen as being global, fair, insightful, and perhaps a bit too earnest. Instead he has become a motivational speaker with an official biography which details a very generic version of his exploits. An Interview With the Navy SEAL Who Says He Killed bin Laden 'He is not allowed to talk, yet they are using this big bullhorn to shut him up. Who Shot Bin Laden? A Tale of Two SEALs Mr. Luskin also noted that a number of high-level officials have assisted other authors writing about the Bin Laden raid as well as the creators of the movie Zero Dark Thirty. But, he said, only Mr. Bissonnette has paid any penalties for the disclosures. Mr. Luskin said that Mr. Bissonnette and the federal authorities reached a nonprosecution agreement in May in which Mr. Bissonnette forfeited $180,000 in fees for advising three equipment manufacturers who were doing business with SEAL Team 6 while he was on the team. We need her. by . -- Courtney Kube contributed reporting to this story. But off Nina went, her stunned dad left behind. ONeill shot him one more timefor insurance. 'We were going hunting and a friend asked us to take a guy who was a Navy SEAL with us,' said Tom O'Neill, 65. The second time as he's going down. Navy SEALs, the . However CNN did not say whether its senior SEAL team operative was actually on the raid itself. [9] O'Neill reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and graduated from BUD/S class 208. Mr. Bissonnette said in a statement Friday that he regretted his failure to submit No Easy Day for vetting before it was published in 2012 so Pentagon officials could ensure that it did not include classified information. If anything, he says, its the exact opposite. They re-confirmed that the al-Qaeda leader was standing in his room when the SEALs entered and they shot him then, as he was able to access weapons that were already in the room. O'Neill dijo al Post que otros dos integrantes de los . It's All About Money', "A Marine Medal of Honor recipient and the Navy SEAL who shot Bin Laden are writing a self-help book", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_J._O%27Neill&oldid=1150667288, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox military person with embed, Articles containing potentially dated statements from August 2020, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 April 2023, at 12:37. I'll explain the. Upon his discharge from the Navy on 24 August 2012 (after 16.6 years), O'Neill was still assigned to SEAL Team Six at Virginia Beach, Virginia and had six months and 15 days of sea service to his credit.