The Navy SEAL who has been credited with fatally shooting terrorist Osama bin Laden was reportedly arrested on two charges in Frisco, Texas. According to the Dallas Morning News report on Friday, 47-year-old Robert J. O’Neill was booked into jail and released hours later on a $3,500 bond, this past Wednesday.
The outlet reported that, according to law enforcement, O’Neill, a Tennessee resident who was in town on Tuesday to record a podcast, now faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of assault causing bodily injury and a Class C misdemeanor charge of public intoxication. Apparently, Jail records list only the assault charge.
O’Neill, a Montana native, said he was the one who fired the shots that killed Bin Laden, a few years after Bin Laden’s death in 2011. According to the News, O’Neill has received two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, and a Joint Service Commendation Medal.
In September during an interview, O’Neill recalled the moment he came face to face with Bin Laden whom he recognized. He claims he fired two shots into the terrorist’s face and once more seconds later. He stated-
“The way my brain worked was he’s taller than I thought, he’s a lot skinnier than I thought he would be, his beard’s got some grey in it. That’s his nose, that’s his face. He’s maneuvering, he’s not surrendering, he’s a threat, he’s a suicide, and I shot him,”
-Robert J. O’Neill, U.S. Navy SEAL
Reportedly back in August of 2020, O’Neill was banned from flying on Delta Air Lines, after he took off his mask during a flight. O’Neill later explained in a social media post, however, that he had the mask in his lap the entire time, writing, “I had my mask in my lap. Everyone has gone crazy.”
Delta Airlines later confirmed their action, stating that-
“part of every customer’s commitment prior to traveling on Delta is the requirement to acknowledge our updated travel policies, which includes wearing a mask,” [noting failure to comply] “can result in losing the ability to fly Delta in the future.”
-Delta Airlines Statement Regarding The Incident
According to the Dallas Morning News article-
“In 2016, prosecutors in Montana dropped a DUI charge against O’Neill. Both sides stipulated that the charge stemmed from prescription medication he used to treat a condition connected to his military service, the Montana Standard reported.”
-Dallas Morning News
Like other military members, who have experienced the horrors of war, it would seem that O’Neill has had, a few brushes with non-military rules and managed to find himself somewhat in trouble, despite his commendable service record. With a condition, service related, being treated by prescription medication, O’Neill should take care - getting into any public scuffle, where he will find the need to defend himself.
Even a hero can be pressed into a corner, by the very civilians they have fought for. It is a strange world to say the least, that America’s military come home to. It is a bigger transition than most understand.
"No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks."
-James Allen