Government

Navy SEAL Behind Tell-All Book on Bin Laden Raid Identified — Should the Media Have Published His Name?

The Navy SEAL who wrote a first-hand account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden under a pseudonym has been identified. Many media outlets have decided to publish his name.

TheBlaze is not identifying the author of the tell-all book at this time. Journalists often wrestle with the drive to tell the truth as fully as possible while at the same time being mindful to minimize potential harm.

The SEAL was first identified by Fox News on Thursday. One current and one former U.S. military official confirmed the name, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss military personnel matters.

The book, “No Easy Day,” is scheduled to be released Sept. 11, with the author listed under the pseudonym of Mark Owen.

Navy SEAL Behind No Easy Day Identified, But Should the Media Have Published His Name?

This book cover image released by Dutton shows "No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama Bin Laden," by Mark Owen with Kevin Maurer. (Credit: AP)

“Sharing the true story of his personal experience in ‘No Easy Day’ is a courageous act in the face of obvious risks to his personal security,” said a statement by Christine Ball, Penguin Group spokeswoman. “That personal security is the sole reason the book is being published under a pseudonym.”

On Thursday, TheBlaze’s Editor-in-Chief Scott Baker sat down with Brandon Webb, former Navy SEAL and president of SOFREP.com, during a “Blazecast” to talk about the author of “No Easy Day,” whom Webb says he knows personally.

(RELATED: Author of Upcoming Bin Laden Raid Tell-All Ostracized From SEAL Team 6)

“I had spoke with the author personally over 6 months ago and at the time he was really torn between whether or not to write this book. And personally I don’t think he released any sensitive information in the book,” Webb said.

He added that he believes the publisher, Penguin, is using the controversy as a marketing tool to sell more books. However, at the same time, Webb said there is an unwritten rule in the SEAL community not to spill the beans on an operation like the one that killed bin Laden.

“It’s a timing issue. Too soon in my opinion,” he added.

“In this particular case I think keeping his name secret…would be next to impossible especially when you have a bunch of angry seals,” Webb explained.

“But again, it comes down to the ethics of the media outlet,” the former SEAL said, saying maybe the media should have put ethics over ratings in this instance.

Penguin Group (USA)’s Dutton imprint, the publisher, asked news organizations Thursday to withhold his identity. Obviously, they did not comply with the request.

“There‘s a whole thing called ’the threat chain,’ and once his name is out, it’s an easy Google search to find publicly available documents,” including his current and former addresses. Webb says that puts other people in danger and under scrutiny as well.

Watch the entire segment with Webb from today’s “Blazecast” here:

Special Operations Command spokesman Col. Tim Nye said the retired SEAL could be endangered by being identified, which could also expose those active-duty SEALs the author worked with in the killing of bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan last year.

The book and the author’s name also come out during a time of debate over the possible damage to U.S. national security by leaks in the media about top secret operations. Yet the book also comes at a time when special operations forces are prominently featured in the media as never before, even as the elite organizations demand secrecy.

A handful of special operations advocacy groups have sprung up decrying leaks, but they identify themselves by name as former members of some of the elite units, in an online campaign video that slams President Barack Obama for releasing details of the bin Laden raid.

One of the advocacy groups is run by retired Navy SEAL Ryan Zinke, who prominently mentions his time years ago at SEAL Team 6, the top secret unit that carried out the bin Laden raid.

Even Special Operations Command made an exception to its normal reticence with the media when it signed off on this year’s movie “Act of Valor,” which followed real active duty SEALs carrying out training exercises that were turned into what looked like real action scenes for the film.

The author of “No Easy Day” is slated to appear in shadow in promotional interviews for the book, meant to conceal his identify. The book is already listed as one of the top 10 books on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

Beyond the risk he faces now that his identity is known, he could also face legal trouble if the Pentagon determines that he disclosed classified information in the account.

U.S. military and intelligence officials say they do not believe the book has been read or cleared by the Defense Department. The Pentagon reviews publications by military members — both active duty and retired — to make sure that no classified material is revealed.

Weigh in and let us know how you feel about the issue by taking our poll:


The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (68)

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  • wordweaver
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:55pm

    If anyone connected with the publishing of this book, including the author, thought for a moment that they could keep his identity a secret for any length of time, they were very naive. I think they’re smarter than that, and this all part of the publicity for the book. If it hadn’t been Fox to release the name, it would have been another media outlet sure enough.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
    • BaltimoreJoe
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:05pm

      You’re using a Chris Mathews/Wolf Blitzer argument dude. CNN still won’t release his name and most other outlets are following suite. I’m sure they just want to be able to say Fox did but uh, FOX DID.
      I didn’t spent hours defending Fox to people to have them do this!
      You can play stupid if you want to but they are guilty. I think Rupert being held by the short hairs in Britain has a lot to do with it that doesn’t make this right. You are wrong to try to dismiss it.

      Report Post »  
    • BaltimoreJoe
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:08pm

      You can’t guess the next 10 days worth of news already.

      bHO dismissing the other Seals organizing against him by comparing them to this guy that wrote a book without getting it cleared first and now look at his situation. CNN/MSNBC and others playing down any legit story from Fox as they are amateurs recounting this story?

      Report Post »  
    • wordweaver
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:39am

      Read the story today on The Blaze by the Seal. He said it took him all of two text messages to figure out who wrote the book. I stand by my original statement.

      Report Post » wordweaver  
  • LoveBringsTruth
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:47pm

    you can blame the DHS and Obama on this one. I bet Obama put a hit out on the poor guy. Some kind of car wreck like patton or hypnotized psycho like laughner or holmes.

    Report Post »  
    • RossPoldark
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:36pm

      It is chicago style bulling plain nd simple. This president is nothing more than anothe Chavez, Castro combined. Hey off the subject, I hear Chavez and Castro are collaborating to write a book, wonder if they will partner with Obama as well. Afterall, dictators must stick together.

      Report Post »  
  • GlennaBeckski
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:47pm

    We need to be praying for this Seal AND if God forbid anything should happen to him or his family FOX will have blood on their hands. What fools!!!

    Report Post » GlennaBeckski  
  • repairsea
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:45pm

    Now how about the name of the traitor who killed our beloved Navy Seals by putting them on an antiquated helicopter? And isn‘t it amazing how the media can find information about everyone else but not Obama’s transcripts or any story about his different social security numbers. Just asking.

    Report Post »  
  • GlennaBeckski
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:45pm

    If I hadn’t read this with my own eyes on here I would not have believed it.

    Glenn.. what’s really going on at Fox?? Why did you leave??

    Report Post » GlennaBeckski  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 4:51am

      Fox has become part of The Big Shoe, imo. Glenn knows the real battle that’s going on. It’s between good and evil. All other rivalries and fights are mere distractions, to take everyone’s attention away from the bottom line. Good vs.evil. We need to beat evil now! Looks like it’s the home team too and we need to pull an upset.(…maybe Solomon Rushdie will help the poor guy out.)

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • VoteRightDammit
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:35pm

    Not “the media”

    This sin was committed by FOX NEWS

    Report Post » VoteRightDammit  
    • pdw
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 10:00am

      If his name is on the book everyone who buys a copy will know his name also.

      Report Post »  
  • Dave In Arizona
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:30pm

    The mainstream media (Obama’s lapdogs) will whatever it can to smear those associated with this book much like John F(raud) Kerry’s mainstream pals tried to do to the Swiftboat guys. Didn’t work then, won’t work now.

    Report Post » Dave In Arizona  
  • grayling646
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:30pm

    Which Fox personality actually broke the news? I wanna send them a verrrry nasty email. I’m gonna tell him/her what I think about his/her mother.

    Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:54pm

      The article was written by Justin Fishel. A producer for Fox. Here’s the article:

      http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/23/author-bin-laden-raid-insider-account-idd-could-face-legal-trouble/

      Report Post »  
    • drbage
      Posted on August 24, 2012 at 8:58am

      Betcha you won’t even get the courtesy of a form letter in reply. In its attempt to appear more centrist and avoid the dreaded Congressional scrutiny, FOX has moved way towards the left to appease their critics. Beginning to wonder if all those “thank you for your service” comments are nothing more than window dressings with no thought or sincerity behind them. When Glenn was on, he got tremendous blowback from many of his shows, especially those dealing with the Puppet Master-George Soros. Now, we are treated to the foul-mouthed, bloviating Bob Beckel and are supposed to smirk or say “oops! there he goes again” when he drops another f-bomb.

      Report Post »  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:25pm

    Fox news used to be my primary news source but in the last 6 months they have destroyed trust. I went back to CNN

    Report Post »  
    • Leadthemtothelight
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:34pm

      I hate to say it but really this book never should have been written. We as a public don’t need to know every detail of military operations. This man opened himself up to whatever may come now.

      Report Post » Leadthemtothelight  
  • Totally Domestic
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:19pm

    Hope the Seals are successful at Swift boating B.O.

    Report Post »  
  • Totally Domestic
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:16pm

    They are the ENEMY, what do you expect.
    The want him killed.

    Report Post »  
  • ruth
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:11pm

    Do they fear the true commin out of what really happened that day in this book!!!

    Report Post »  
  • 700P
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:09pm

    Com’ on people! Really, how many SW Operators recently assigned to DEVGRU and separated from the Navy are from Alaska! Alaska has a bit over a half-million residents (I count myself as one) and one can extrapolate representation across all military branches and specialties would be proportionately small!

    This factoid came out in the interview and I doubt was unintentional (SEALs are not stupid….are in the improbable event someone stupid makes it through the training (think a young Joe Biden-clone) their life expectancy would be Darwinistically short.

    Maybe he let his guard down or perhaps he was already tired of the charade? I will buy the book, however if I read in it genuflecting praise of the POTUS or trashing the Bush Administration, I’ll know what the real motive was (given the timing close to the election (Amazon says 16 Oct for availability)….however I don’t expect this based on the other books by Kevin Maurer which are decent reads. I’m not above criticizing the Bush Administration myself, however they are mostly irrelevant now.

    Report Post » 700P  
    • 700P
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 11:10pm

      Apparently I confused myself, the book discusses his growing-up in AK and this is what I was reading about yesterday on the news outlets. Still seems odd to want to be anonymous and then write very specific information that totally narrows things down to a handful of NSW personnel?

      Report Post » 700P  
  • libertyandresponsibility
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:08pm

    Thank you for not releasing his name

    Report Post »  
  • Misha
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:03pm

    I bet Obama’s paying him. He should be taken out by the Seals. Period. You just do not do this.

    Report Post »  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:58pm

    The Media published his name because they want him to get the Brandon Raub treatment.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • TJexcite
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:54pm

    It took 31 years to know the name of Deep Throat. But now it takes less than a few days to know the name when someone wants to be the first when everyone is told and know it will come out sooner or later. Just what will happen when the real tell all books from all levels of this administration come out. From the DoJ to the Department of Education, all full of corruption top to bottom.

    Report Post » TJexcite  
  • BaltimoreJoe
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:50pm

    Glenn…come on, I’m way out on the right for most issues… FOX NEWS should be prominent in the headline. His name isn’t the news the fact that FOX of all outlets outted him… Please revise your headline else you guys are nearly as bad as Fox on this one.

    Report Post »  
  • wisehiney
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:43pm

    If we are not cowards, we should all stand at the same time and scream some Braveheart stuff at them.

    Report Post »  
  • oldasdirt
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:42pm

    OblameO has told all our secrets.So I don’t see the book causing any trouble.NO! they should not have given his name,although it’s in the book-author.

    Report Post » oldasdirt  
    • oldasdirt
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:43pm

      He used a pseudonym in the book,,my bad about the name.

      Report Post » oldasdirt  
    • BaltimoreJoe
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:47pm

      Ah dude, he wrote the book under a pseudonym – a false name NOT HIS REAL NAME.

      Also…if you read the Fox story all the way through you can clearly see the dripping smile of the Navy spokesman when saying what happens is basically on him for writing the book.

      Report Post »  
    • oldasdirt
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:57pm

      @ BaltimoreJoe,Sorry guy,,I was having a slow reading day.

      Report Post » oldasdirt  
    • BaltimoreJoe
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 10:09pm

      No problem brother….sorry, I’m just hot cause Fox of all stations did this. Even the guys at gitmo have to cover their nametags….

      Report Post »  
  • BaltimoreJoe
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:42pm

    WTF! This guy and his family are either in hiding or will be dead within weeks. FOX NEWS, FOX NEWS…really. I could expect CNN/MSNBC or one of the others but FOX NEWS? WTF-O.

    The Fox News guy is hopefully fired already. I cannot believe FOX NEWS outted a NAVY SEAL who probably has a family, maybe kids, wife…brothers, sisters, maybe parents still. What the hell were they thinking. The guy needs to be fired and Fox needs to pay this guy enough money to essentially change his identify.

    Now with that all said…. Does anyone doubt the WH is the ‘secret source’? Either them or the CIA other Navy member teaching the same lesson they gave to that pollster this a.m.

    FOX NEWS? You should ID them prominently in your story. They deserve the s-storm on this one…

    Report Post »  
  • mcgrawactor1
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:36pm

    I love playing word games… Just imagine you wrote a book out of conscience that could put your life in danger and you wrote it under a nom de plume to protect your safety. A media outlet releases your name putting YOU (not someone you don’t care about, don’t know, or even with whom you disagree). This is YOU who now is in the crosshairs because of a story…breaking news…a headline that will go away in a day or so. You now are a target,m and so is your family. Word game time… I’ll type a word and you type the word that comes to mind for you. There are no wrong answers. I am just curious. I will start..
    BETRAYAL

    Report Post » mcgrawactor1  
    • wisehiney
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:42pm

      The easiest thing this guy did this year was stomp a mudhole in the arse of any liberal weasel. You shall see no concern in his eye. Thank you dear, dear Seal Patriot.

      Report Post »  
  • JohnLarson
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:32pm

    Pretty low of Fox News, especially since they criticized other organizations for leaking the names of CIA members.

    They just put a giant bullseye on this guy, anyone who was loyal to Bin Laden would want to kill this guy in revenge.

    Report Post »  
    • borisbadinoff
      Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:56pm

      First of all EVERYONE of the reporters and editors that signed on to publish his name should immediately have all of their personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, etc. posted on the internet. Then watch THEM howl about their privacy! Hypocrites all!!

      Fox should be ashamed. The rest it is only business as usual.

      If he is harmed in any way I think those that published the information should face criminal charges.

      Report Post » borisbadinoff  
  • Sirfoldallot
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:31pm

    Can we get past the job that was suppose 2 be done by all involved

    Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 23, 2012 at 9:29pm

    He did toy with the idea of publishing it under a pen name of Richard Hurtz.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
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