Former Navy SEAL Robert J. O’Neill, known for his role in the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, has been arrested in Texas on assault and public intoxication charges. The 47-year-old military veteran was apprehended in the city of Frisco after an altercation at a cigar lounge where he was recording a podcast. O’Neill has been charged with assault causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor, and public intoxication, a Class C misdemeanor. He was released the same day after posting a bond of $3,500.
This is not the first time O’Neill has faced legal trouble. In 2016, he was arrested for driving under the influence, although the charges were later dropped. O’Neill gained worldwide fame for his involvement in the daring 2011 raid on bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, where he claims to have personally shot the terrorist leader multiple times, ensuring he was no longer a threat.
O’Neill’s account of the mission and his career as a Navy SEAL were documented in his best-selling memoir, The Operator: Firing the Shots That Killed Osama Bin Laden and My Years as a SEAL Team Warrior. In the book, O’Neill describes the intense training and numerous missions he undertook during his time as a member of the elite SEAL Team Six. He also reveals details about the Abbottabad raid and the moments leading up to bin Laden’s death.
Despite his retirement from active duty, O’Neill remains active on social media, frequently sharing his views on political and social issues. Recently, he criticized the Navy for enlisting a drag queen as a recruiter, expressing his dismay and questioning the decision.
As news of O’Neill’s arrest for assault and public intoxication spreads, many are left questioning the behavior of a national hero who played a vital role in eliminating one of the world’s most notorious terrorists. O’Neill has yet to comment on the incident or hire legal representation. It remains to be seen what consequences he will face for his actions.
The arrest of Robert J. O’Neill serves as a reminder that even those who have achieved great success and fame can find themselves on the wrong side of the law. As the legal process unfolds, the public eagerly awaits more information about the circumstances surrounding the altercation and O’Neill’s conduct on the night in question.