Robert J. O’Neill, the former Navy SEAL who gained notoriety for his claim of killing Osama bin Laden, was recently arrested in Frisco, Texas. The 47-year-old was charged with a Class A misdemeanor for assault causing bodily injury and a Class C misdemeanor for public intoxication, as reported by the Dallas Morning News. However, only the assault charge is listed in the Collin County jail records.
O’Neill was released on the same day of his arrest after posting a $3,500 bond. It was reported that he was in Frisco to record an episode for a podcast at a local cigar lounge. Attempts to reach O’Neill for a comment on the incident were unsuccessful.
This is not the first time O’Neill has had a run-in with the law. In 2016, he was arrested for drunk driving in Montana. However, the charges were later dropped after it was revealed that he was under the influence of prescription medication for a condition related to his military service.
In 2020, O’Neill made headlines again, this time for refusing to wear a face mask on a flight during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, he was banned by Delta Airlines.
O’Neill is a former member of the elite SEAL Team 6 and rose to fame after claiming to have shot and killed Osama bin Laden during the U.S. military operation known as “Operation Neptune Spear.” This operation was a raid on the terrorist leader’s compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, on May 2, 2011.
However, O’Neill’s claim has been disputed by others, including Matt Bissonnette, who insists that another SEAL Team 6 member fired the fatal shots that killed Osama bin Laden.
Despite the controversy surrounding his claims, O’Neill’s military service has been recognized with two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, and a Joint Service Commendation Medal.