Revealed: The Navy SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden

Robert O'Neill..Photo: O'Neil/Twitter

Media reports have identified Robert O’Neill as the Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden during a 2011 U.S. special forces raid in Pakistan.

Fox News had announced that it would broadcast a two-part series later this month that reveals the identity of the Navy hero, but a U.K. newspaper released his name Wednesday night.

O’Neill, 38, is a decorated veteran who quit after 16 years service and now works as a motivational speaker, according to The Daily Mail.

“A highly-trained Navy SEAL, he led the military’s most elite and was involved in our nation’s most important campaigns,” reads his online biography. “With most of his career shrouded in a classified cloak, O’Neill was the man on the ground we have never heard of but know exists.”

His decision to reveal his identity is considered controversial especially since the top admiral and enlisted man in the U.S. Navy’s SEAL force reminded its members not to disclose classified information for publicity or cash last Friday.

The SEAL leaders said in a letter that a critical part of the team’s ethos is, “I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions.” It is a lifelong commitment, both during and after military service, said Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, and Force Master Chief Michael L. Magaraci.