Barack Obama on the operation to find, kill Osama bin Laden | 60 Minutes Archive

60 Minutes rewind. 60 Minutes rewind. >> Whether we like it or not, Osama bin >> Whether we like it or not, Osama bin >> Whether we like it or not, Osama bin Laden changed America. With that Laden changed America. With that Laden changed America. With that September morning in 2001, he introduced September morning in 2001, he introduced September morning in 2001, he introduced fear and ingrained the threat of fear and ingrained the threat of fear and ingrained the threat of terrorism into the daily lives of anyone terrorism into the daily lives of anyone terrorism into the daily lives of anyone who lives in a big city, travels by air, who lives in a big city, travels by air, who lives in a big city, travels by air, or enters a federal building. For more or enters a federal building. For more or enters a federal building. For more than a decade, bin Laden managed to than a decade, bin Laden managed to than a decade, bin Laden managed to elude the US military and intelligence elude the US military and intelligence elude the US military and intelligence establishment and taunted three US establishment and taunted three US establishment and taunted three US presidents. That finally ended last presidents. That finally ended last presidents. That finally ended last Sunday, and the last thing Bin Laden saw Sunday, and the last thing Bin Laden saw Sunday, and the last thing Bin Laden saw was a Navy Seal in the third floor was a Navy Seal in the third floor was a Navy Seal in the third floor bedroom of his compound in Pakistan. bedroom of his compound in Pakistan. bedroom of his compound in Pakistan. Tonight, for the first time, we hear the Tonight, for the first time, we hear the Tonight, for the first time, we hear the story from President Obama, who spoke story from President Obama, who spoke story from President Obama, who spoke with us on Wednesday at the White House. with us on Wednesday at the White House. with us on Wednesday at the White House. He explains how the plan was prepared He explains how the plan was prepared He explains how the plan was prepared and carried out, what was going through and carried out, what was going through and carried out, what was going through his mind as he watched it unfold, and his mind as he watched it unfold, and his mind as he watched it unfold, and the secrecy leading up to his historic the secrecy leading up to his historic the secrecy leading up to his historic announcement last Sunday night. announcement last Sunday night. announcement last Sunday night. Tonight, I can report to the American Tonight, I can report to the American Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United people and to the world that the United people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that States has conducted an operation that States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda.

al-Qaeda. al-Qaeda. >> Mr. President, was this the most >> Mr. President, was this the most >> Mr. President, was this the most satisfying week of your presidency? satisfying week of your presidency? satisfying week of your presidency? Well, it was certainly one of the most Well, it was certainly one of the most Well, it was certainly one of the most satisfying weeks not only for my satisfying weeks not only for my satisfying weeks not only for my presidency, but I think for uh the presidency, but I think for uh the presidency, but I think for uh the United States since I've been president. United States since I've been president. United States since I've been president. Uh obviously, Bin Laden had been not Uh obviously, Bin Laden had been not Uh obviously, Bin Laden had been not only a symbol of terrorism uh but a mass only a symbol of terrorism uh but a mass only a symbol of terrorism uh but a mass murderer whose murderer whose murderer whose had eluded justice for so long and so had eluded justice for so long and so had eluded justice for so long and so many families who had been affected, I many families who had been affected, I many families who had been affected, I think, had given up hope. uh and for us think, had given up hope. uh and for us think, had given up hope. uh and for us to be able to definitively say we got to be able to definitively say we got to be able to definitively say we got the man who caused uh thousands of the man who caused uh thousands of the man who caused uh thousands of deaths here in the United States uh was deaths here in the United States uh was deaths here in the United States uh was something that I think all of us were something that I think all of us were something that I think all of us were profoundly grateful to be a part of. profoundly grateful to be a part of. profoundly grateful to be a part of. >> Was this uh was the decision to launch >> Was this uh was the decision to launch >> Was this uh was the decision to launch this attack the most difficult decision this attack the most difficult decision this attack the most difficult decision is that you've made as is that you've made as is that you've made as commander-in-chief? commander-in-chief? commander-in-chief? >> Certainly one uh you know every time I >> Certainly one uh you know every time I >> Certainly one uh you know every time I send young men and women into a war send young men and women into a war send young men and women into a war theater that's a tough decision. Uh and theater that's a tough decision. Uh and theater that's a tough decision. Uh and whenever you write a letter to a family whenever you write a letter to a family whenever you write a letter to a family who's lost a loved one, uh it's who's lost a loved one, uh it's who's lost a loved one, uh it's sobering. Uh this was a very difficult sobering. Uh this was a very difficult sobering. Uh this was a very difficult decision. Uh in part because the decision. Uh in part because the decision. Uh in part because the evidence that we had was not absolutely evidence that we had was not absolutely evidence that we had was not absolutely inclusive. This was circumstantial inclusive. This was circumstantial inclusive. This was circumstantial evidence that he was going to be there.

evidence that he was going to be there. evidence that he was going to be there. Obviously, it entailed enormous risk uh Obviously, it entailed enormous risk uh Obviously, it entailed enormous risk uh to the guys that I sent in there. But to the guys that I sent in there. But to the guys that I sent in there. But ultimately I had so much confidence in ultimately I had so much confidence in ultimately I had so much confidence in the capacity of our guys to carry out the capacity of our guys to carry out the capacity of our guys to carry out the mission that I felt that uh the the the mission that I felt that uh the the the mission that I felt that uh the the risks uh were outweighed by the risks uh were outweighed by the risks uh were outweighed by the potential benefit uh of us finally potential benefit uh of us finally potential benefit uh of us finally getting our man. getting our man. getting our man. >> How much of it was gut instinct? >> How much of it was gut instinct? >> How much of it was gut instinct? >> The the thing about gut instinct is uh >> The the thing about gut instinct is uh >> The the thing about gut instinct is uh uh if it works then you think boy I had uh if it works then you think boy I had uh if it works then you think boy I had good instincts. good instincts. good instincts. If it doesn't, then you're going to be If it doesn't, then you're going to be If it doesn't, then you're going to be running uh back in your mind all the running uh back in your mind all the running uh back in your mind all the things that told you maybe uh you things that told you maybe uh you things that told you maybe uh you shouldn't have done it. Uh obviously, I shouldn't have done it. Uh obviously, I shouldn't have done it. Uh obviously, I had enough of an instinct that uh uh we had enough of an instinct that uh uh we had enough of an instinct that uh uh we could be right, that it was it was worth could be right, that it was it was worth could be right, that it was it was worth doing doing doing >> when the CIA first brought this >> when the CIA first brought this >> when the CIA first brought this information to you, information to you, information to you, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> What was your reaction? Was there a >> What was your reaction? Was there a >> What was your reaction? Was there a sense of excitement? Did this look sense of excitement? Did this look sense of excitement? Did this look promising from the very beginning? It promising from the very beginning? It promising from the very beginning? It >> it did look promising from the >> it did look promising from the >> it did look promising from the beginning. Keep in mind that uh beginning. Keep in mind that uh beginning. Keep in mind that uh obviously when I was still campaigning obviously when I was still campaigning obviously when I was still campaigning for president, I had said that if I ever for president, I had said that if I ever for president, I had said that if I ever get a a shot at Bin Laden, we're going get a a shot at Bin Laden, we're going get a a shot at Bin Laden, we're going to take it. Uh and I was subject to some to take it. Uh and I was subject to some to take it. Uh and I was subject to some criticism at the time because I had said criticism at the time because I had said criticism at the time because I had said if it's in Pakistan uh and uh you know, if it's in Pakistan uh and uh you know, if it's in Pakistan uh and uh you know, we don't uh have the ability to to we don't uh have the ability to to we don't uh have the ability to to capture him in any other way, then we're capture him in any other way, then we're capture him in any other way, then we're going to go ahead and take the shot. Uh going to go ahead and take the shot. Uh going to go ahead and take the shot. Uh but so I felt very strongly that there but so I felt very strongly that there but so I felt very strongly that there was a strategic uh imperative for us to was a strategic uh imperative for us to was a strategic uh imperative for us to go after him. Uh shortly after I got

go after him. Uh shortly after I got go after him. Uh shortly after I got into office, I brought Leon Petta into office, I brought Leon Petta into office, I brought Leon Petta privately into the Oval Office uh and I privately into the Oval Office uh and I privately into the Oval Office uh and I said to him, "We need to redouble our said to him, "We need to redouble our said to him, "We need to redouble our efforts in hunting bin Laden down." Uh efforts in hunting bin Laden down." Uh efforts in hunting bin Laden down." Uh and I want us to start putting more and I want us to start putting more and I want us to start putting more resources, more focus, and more urgency resources, more focus, and more urgency resources, more focus, and more urgency uh into that mission. So by the time uh into that mission. So by the time uh into that mission. So by the time they came to me uh they had worked up uh they came to me uh they had worked up uh they came to me uh they had worked up uh a uh image of the compound where it was a uh image of the compound where it was a uh image of the compound where it was and the factors that led them to and the factors that led them to and the factors that led them to conclude that this was the best evidence conclude that this was the best evidence conclude that this was the best evidence that we had uh regarding bin Laden's that we had uh regarding bin Laden's that we had uh regarding bin Laden's whereabouts since Torah. But we didn't whereabouts since Torah. But we didn't whereabouts since Torah. But we didn't have a photograph of bin Laden in that have a photograph of bin Laden in that have a photograph of bin Laden in that building. Uh there was uh no direct building. Uh there was uh no direct building. Uh there was uh no direct evidence of his presence. Uh and so the evidence of his presence. Uh and so the evidence of his presence. Uh and so the the CIA continued to build the case the CIA continued to build the case the CIA continued to build the case meticulously uh over the course of meticulously uh over the course of meticulously uh over the course of several months. Uh what I told them when several months. Uh what I told them when several months. Uh what I told them when they first came to me uh with this they first came to me uh with this they first came to me uh with this evidence was even as you guys are evidence was even as you guys are evidence was even as you guys are building a stronger intelligence case, building a stronger intelligence case, building a stronger intelligence case, let's also start building an action plan let's also start building an action plan let's also start building an action plan to figure out if in fact we make a to figure out if in fact we make a to figure out if in fact we make a decision that uh this is him or we've decision that uh this is him or we've decision that uh this is him or we've got a good chance that we've got him, got a good chance that we've got him, got a good chance that we've got him, how are we going to uh deal with him?

how are we going to uh deal with him? how are we going to uh deal with him? >> When was that? when you set that plan in >> When was that? when you set that plan in >> When was that? when you set that plan in motion. motion. motion. >> Well, they first came to me in August of >> Well, they first came to me in August of >> Well, they first came to me in August of last year with evidence of the compound last year with evidence of the compound last year with evidence of the compound uh and they said that they had more work uh and they said that they had more work uh and they said that they had more work to do on it, but uh at that point they to do on it, but uh at that point they to do on it, but uh at that point they had enough that uh they felt uh uh that had enough that uh they felt uh uh that had enough that uh they felt uh uh that it was appropriate for us to start doing it was appropriate for us to start doing it was appropriate for us to start doing some planning. Uh and so from that point some planning. Uh and so from that point some planning. Uh and so from that point on we started looking at what our on we started looking at what our on we started looking at what our options might be. The vigorous planning options might be. The vigorous planning options might be. The vigorous planning did not begin until early this year. Uh did not begin until early this year. Uh did not begin until early this year. Uh and obviously over the last two months, and obviously over the last two months, and obviously over the last two months, it's been very intensive in which not it's been very intensive in which not it's been very intensive in which not only uh did an action plan get only uh did an action plan get only uh did an action plan get developed, but our guys actually started developed, but our guys actually started developed, but our guys actually started practicing uh being able to execute. practicing uh being able to execute. practicing uh being able to execute. >> How actively were you involved in that >> How actively were you involved in that >> How actively were you involved in that process? process? process? >> About as active as any project that I've >> About as active as any project that I've >> About as active as any project that I've been involved with uh since I've been been involved with uh since I've been been involved with uh since I've been president. Um obviously we have uh president. Um obviously we have uh president. Um obviously we have uh extraordinary guys. Our special forces extraordinary guys. Our special forces extraordinary guys. Our special forces are the best of the best. And so I was are the best of the best. And so I was are the best of the best. And so I was not involved in uh you know designing not involved in uh you know designing not involved in uh you know designing the initial plan but each iteration of the initial plan but each iteration of the initial plan but each iteration of that plan they'd bring back to me uh that plan they'd bring back to me uh that plan they'd bring back to me uh make a full presentation. We would ask make a full presentation. We would ask make a full presentation. We would ask questions. Uh we had multiple meetings questions. Uh we had multiple meetings questions. Uh we had multiple meetings in the situation room in which we would in the situation room in which we would in the situation room in which we would map out and we would actually have a map out and we would actually have a map out and we would actually have a model of the compound and discuss how model of the compound and discuss how model of the compound and discuss how this operation uh might uh proceed and this operation uh might uh proceed and this operation uh might uh proceed and what various options there were. uh what various options there were. uh what various options there were. uh because there was more than one way uh because there was more than one way uh because there was more than one way uh in which we might go go about this and in which we might go go about this and in which we might go go about this and uh in some ways uh sending in uh

uh in some ways uh sending in uh uh in some ways uh sending in uh choppers uh and actually putting our choppers uh and actually putting our choppers uh and actually putting our guys on the ground uh entailed some guys on the ground uh entailed some guys on the ground uh entailed some greater risks than some other options. I greater risks than some other options. I greater risks than some other options. I thought it was important though for us thought it was important though for us thought it was important though for us to be able to say that we definitely got to be able to say that we definitely got to be able to say that we definitely got the guy. it was important for us to be the guy. it was important for us to be the guy. it was important for us to be able to exploit potential information able to exploit potential information able to exploit potential information that was on the ground in the compound that was on the ground in the compound that was on the ground in the compound if it did turn out to be him. Um, we if it did turn out to be him. Um, we if it did turn out to be him. Um, we thought that it was important for us not thought that it was important for us not thought that it was important for us not only to protect uh uh the lives of our only to protect uh uh the lives of our only to protect uh uh the lives of our guys uh but also to try to minimize guys uh but also to try to minimize guys uh but also to try to minimize collateral damage uh in the region collateral damage uh in the region collateral damage uh in the region because this was in a residential because this was in a residential because this was in a residential neighborhood. I mean, one of the ironies neighborhood. I mean, one of the ironies neighborhood. I mean, one of the ironies of this is, you know, I think the the of this is, you know, I think the the of this is, you know, I think the the image that Bin Laden had tried to image that Bin Laden had tried to image that Bin Laden had tried to promote was that he was an aesthetic promote was that he was an aesthetic promote was that he was an aesthetic living in a cave. This guy was living in living in a cave. This guy was living in living in a cave. This guy was living in a million-dollar compound uh in a a million-dollar compound uh in a a million-dollar compound uh in a residential neighborhood. residential neighborhood. residential neighborhood. >> Were you surprised when they came to you >> Were you surprised when they came to you >> Were you surprised when they came to you with this compound right in the middle with this compound right in the middle with this compound right in the middle of u sort of the military center of of u sort of the military center of of u sort of the military center of Pakistan? Pakistan? Pakistan? >> There had been discussions that this guy >> There had been discussions that this guy >> There had been discussions that this guy might be hiding in plain sight. And we might be hiding in plain sight. And we might be hiding in plain sight. And we knew that some al-Qaeda operatives, knew that some al-Qaeda operatives, knew that some al-Qaeda operatives, highlevel targets, basically just highlevel targets, basically just highlevel targets, basically just blended into the crowd like this. Uh I blended into the crowd like this. Uh I blended into the crowd like this. Uh I think we were surprised when we learned think we were surprised when we learned think we were surprised when we learned that this compound had been there for that this compound had been there for that this compound had been there for five or 6 years uh and that it was in an five or 6 years uh and that it was in an five or 6 years uh and that it was in an area uh in which um you would think that area uh in which um you would think that area uh in which um you would think that potentially uh he would attract some potentially uh he would attract some potentially uh he would attract some attention. So yes, the answer is that we attention. So yes, the answer is that we attention. So yes, the answer is that we were surprised that he could maintain a were surprised that he could maintain a were surprised that he could maintain a compound like that for that long uh compound like that for that long uh compound like that for that long uh without uh uh there being a tip off.

without uh uh there being a tip off. without uh uh there being a tip off. >> Do you believe it was built for him? >> Do you believe it was built for him? >> Do you believe it was built for him? >> We are still investigating that. Uh but >> We are still investigating that. Uh but >> We are still investigating that. Uh but uh what is clear is that uh the elements uh what is clear is that uh the elements uh what is clear is that uh the elements of the compound were structured so that of the compound were structured so that of the compound were structured so that nobody could see in. There were no sight nobody could see in. There were no sight nobody could see in. There were no sight lines that would enable somebody walking lines that would enable somebody walking lines that would enable somebody walking by or somebody in an adjoining building by or somebody in an adjoining building by or somebody in an adjoining building to see him. So, it was clearly designed to see him. So, it was clearly designed to see him. So, it was clearly designed uh to make sure that uh uh Bin Laden was uh to make sure that uh uh Bin Laden was uh to make sure that uh uh Bin Laden was protected from public view. protected from public view. protected from public view. >> Do you have any idea how long he was >> Do you have any idea how long he was >> Do you have any idea how long he was there? there? there? >> We know he was there at least 5 years. >> We know he was there at least 5 years. >> We know he was there at least 5 years. >> 5 years. >> 5 years. >> 5 years. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Did he move out of that compound? >> Did he move out of that compound? >> Did he move out of that compound? >> That we don't know yet. Um but but we >> That we don't know yet. Um but but we >> That we don't know yet. Um but but we know that uh for 5 to 6 years this know that uh for 5 to 6 years this know that uh for 5 to 6 years this compound was there and our belief is is compound was there and our belief is is compound was there and our belief is is that he was there during that time. that he was there during that time. that he was there during that time. >> This was your decision. >> This was your decision. >> This was your decision. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. whether to proceed or not and how to whether to proceed or not and how to whether to proceed or not and how to proceed. What was the most difficult proceed. What was the most difficult proceed. What was the most difficult part of that decision? part of that decision? part of that decision? >> The most difficult part is always uh the >> The most difficult part is always uh the >> The most difficult part is always uh the fact that you're sending guys into fact that you're sending guys into fact that you're sending guys into harm's way and there are a lot of things harm's way and there are a lot of things harm's way and there are a lot of things that could go wrong. I mean, there are a that could go wrong. I mean, there are a that could go wrong. I mean, there are a lot of moving parts here. Uh so, uh my lot of moving parts here. Uh so, uh my lot of moving parts here. Uh so, uh my biggest concern was if I'm sending those biggest concern was if I'm sending those biggest concern was if I'm sending those guys in and Murphy's law applies and guys in and Murphy's law applies and guys in and Murphy's law applies and something happens, can we still get our something happens, can we still get our something happens, can we still get our guys out? So, that's point number one.

guys out? So, that's point number one. guys out? So, that's point number one. These guys are going in uh in uh you These guys are going in uh in uh you These guys are going in uh in uh you know the darkest of night uh and know the darkest of night uh and know the darkest of night uh and they don't know what they're going to they don't know what they're going to they don't know what they're going to find there. They don't know if the find there. They don't know if the find there. They don't know if the building is rigged. They don't know if building is rigged. They don't know if building is rigged. They don't know if uh you know there are explosives that uh you know there are explosives that uh you know there are explosives that are uh triggered by a particular door are uh triggered by a particular door are uh triggered by a particular door opening. So huge risks that these guys opening. So huge risks that these guys opening. So huge risks that these guys are taking. Um and and so my number one are taking. Um and and so my number one are taking. Um and and so my number one concern was if I send them in, can I get concern was if I send them in, can I get concern was if I send them in, can I get them out? Point number two was u as them out? Point number two was u as them out? Point number two was u as outstanding a job as our intelligence outstanding a job as our intelligence outstanding a job as our intelligence teams did. And I I I cannot praise them teams did. And I I I cannot praise them teams did. And I I I cannot praise them enough. They they did an extraordinary enough. They they did an extraordinary enough. They they did an extraordinary job with just the the uh slenderest of job with just the the uh slenderest of job with just the the uh slenderest of of uh bits of information uh to piece of uh bits of information uh to piece of uh bits of information uh to piece this all together. this all together. this all together. At the end of the day, this was still a At the end of the day, this was still a At the end of the day, this was still a 55 45 situation. I mean, we could not 55 45 situation. I mean, we could not 55 45 situation. I mean, we could not say definitively that bin Laden was say definitively that bin Laden was say definitively that bin Laden was there. Had he not been there, then there there. Had he not been there, then there there. Had he not been there, then there would have been some significant would have been some significant would have been some significant consequences. Obviously, we're going consequences. Obviously, we're going consequences. Obviously, we're going into the sovereign territory of another into the sovereign territory of another into the sovereign territory of another country and uh landing helicopters and country and uh landing helicopters and country and uh landing helicopters and conducting a military operation. And so conducting a military operation. And so conducting a military operation. And so if uh it turns out that that it's a uh a if uh it turns out that that it's a uh a if uh it turns out that that it's a uh a wealthy uh uh you know prince from uh wealthy uh uh you know prince from uh wealthy uh uh you know prince from uh Dubai who's in this compound. Uh and and Dubai who's in this compound. Uh and and Dubai who's in this compound. Uh and and you know we've sent special forces in.

you know we've sent special forces in. you know we've sent special forces in. Um we've got problems. Uh so there were Um we've got problems. Uh so there were Um we've got problems. Uh so there were uh there were risks involved uh there were risks involved uh there were risks involved geopolitically in uh making the decision geopolitically in uh making the decision geopolitically in uh making the decision but my number one concern was uh can our but my number one concern was uh can our but my number one concern was uh can our guys get in and get out safely. guys get in and get out safely. guys get in and get out safely. The fact that our special forces have The fact that our special forces have The fact that our special forces have become so good. These guys perform at become so good. These guys perform at become so good. These guys perform at levels that u you know 20 30 years ago levels that u you know 20 30 years ago levels that u you know 20 30 years ago uh uh uh uh uh uh would not have happened uh I think uh would not have happened uh I think uh would not have happened uh I think uh finally gave me the confidence to say finally gave me the confidence to say finally gave me the confidence to say let's go ahead. let's go ahead. let's go ahead. >> I mean it's been reported that there was >> I mean it's been reported that there was >> I mean it's been reported that there was some resistance from advisers and uh some resistance from advisers and uh some resistance from advisers and uh planners who disagreed with the commando planners who disagreed with the commando planners who disagreed with the commando raid approach. uh was it difficult for raid approach. uh was it difficult for raid approach. uh was it difficult for you to overcome that? you to overcome that? you to overcome that? >> One of the things that we've done here >> One of the things that we've done here >> One of the things that we've done here uh is to build a team that is collegial uh is to build a team that is collegial uh is to build a team that is collegial and where everybody speaks their mind. and where everybody speaks their mind. and where everybody speaks their mind. Uh and there's not a lot of sniping or Uh and there's not a lot of sniping or Uh and there's not a lot of sniping or backbiting after the fact. Uh and what backbiting after the fact. Uh and what backbiting after the fact. Uh and what I've tried to do is make sure that every I've tried to do is make sure that every I've tried to do is make sure that every time I sit sit down the situation room, time I sit sit down the situation room, time I sit sit down the situation room, every one of my adviserss around there every one of my adviserss around there every one of my adviserss around there knows I expect them to give me their knows I expect them to give me their knows I expect them to give me their best assessments. And so the fact that best assessments. And so the fact that best assessments. And so the fact that there were some who voiced doubts about there were some who voiced doubts about there were some who voiced doubts about this approach was invaluable because it this approach was invaluable because it this approach was invaluable because it ma meant the plan was sharper. It meant ma meant the plan was sharper. It meant ma meant the plan was sharper. It meant that we had thought through all of our that we had thought through all of our that we had thought through all of our options. Uh it meant that uh when I options. Uh it meant that uh when I options. Uh it meant that uh when I finally did make the decision, I was

finally did make the decision, I was finally did make the decision, I was making it based on the very best making it based on the very best making it based on the very best information. It wasn't as if any of the information. It wasn't as if any of the information. It wasn't as if any of the folks who were voicing doubts were folks who were voicing doubts were folks who were voicing doubts were voicing something that I wasn't already voicing something that I wasn't already voicing something that I wasn't already running through in my own head. How much running through in my own head. How much running through in my own head. How much did some of the past failures like the did some of the past failures like the did some of the past failures like the Iran hostage rescue attempt, how how did Iran hostage rescue attempt, how how did Iran hostage rescue attempt, how how did that weigh on you? I mean, was that a that weigh on you? I mean, was that a that weigh on you? I mean, was that a factor? factor? factor? >> Absolutely. Absolutely. No, I mean, you >> Absolutely. Absolutely. No, I mean, you >> Absolutely. Absolutely. No, I mean, you think about Blackhawk Down, you you think about Blackhawk Down, you you think about Blackhawk Down, you you think about uh what happened with the think about uh what happened with the think about uh what happened with the the Iranian rescue. Um, and the Iranian rescue. Um, and the Iranian rescue. Um, and you know, I am very sympathetic to uh you know, I am very sympathetic to uh you know, I am very sympathetic to uh the the situation for other presidents the the situation for other presidents the the situation for other presidents where you make a decision, you're making where you make a decision, you're making where you make a decision, you're making your best call, your best shot, and your best call, your best shot, and your best call, your best shot, and something goes wrong. Uh, because these something goes wrong. Uh, because these something goes wrong. Uh, because these are tough, complicated operations. Uh, are tough, complicated operations. Uh, are tough, complicated operations. Uh, and uh, yeah, absolutely. The day before and uh, yeah, absolutely. The day before and uh, yeah, absolutely. The day before uh, I was thinking about this quite a uh, I was thinking about this quite a uh, I was thinking about this quite a bit. I mean it it would seem to me that bit. I mean it it would seem to me that bit. I mean it it would seem to me that it sounds like you made a decision that it sounds like you made a decision that it sounds like you made a decision that you could accept failure. you could accept failure. you could accept failure. You weren't you didn't want failure but You weren't you didn't want failure but You weren't you didn't want failure but after looking at all the after looking at all the after looking at all the >> I >> I >> I >> the 55 45 thing that you mentioned you >> the 55 45 thing that you mentioned you >> the 55 45 thing that you mentioned you must have at some point concluded that must have at some point concluded that must have at some point concluded that it was that the advantages outweighed it was that the advantages outweighed it was that the advantages outweighed the the the >> it was uh I concluded that it was worth >> it was uh I concluded that it was worth >> it was uh I concluded that it was worth it and and the reason I concluded it was it and and the reason I concluded it was it and and the reason I concluded it was worth it was that uh we have devoted worth it was that uh we have devoted worth it was that uh we have devoted enormous enormous enormous uh blood and treasure in fighting back uh blood and treasure in fighting back uh blood and treasure in fighting back against al-Qaeda ever since 2001.

against al-Qaeda ever since 2001. against al-Qaeda ever since 2001. And I said to myself that if we have a And I said to myself that if we have a And I said to myself that if we have a good chance of good chance of good chance of uh not completely defeating but badly uh not completely defeating but badly uh not completely defeating but badly uh disabling al-Qaeda uh disabling al-Qaeda uh disabling al-Qaeda uh then it was worth both the political uh then it was worth both the political uh then it was worth both the political risks uh as well as uh uh the risks to risks uh as well as uh uh the risks to risks uh as well as uh uh the risks to our men. our men. our men. >> After you made the decision to go ahead, >> After you made the decision to go ahead, >> After you made the decision to go ahead, you had like this incredible weekend. you had like this incredible weekend. you had like this incredible weekend. You surveyed the tornado damage in You surveyed the tornado damage in You surveyed the tornado damage in Alabama. You took your family to the Alabama. You took your family to the Alabama. You took your family to the shuttle launch and this was all going shuttle launch and this was all going shuttle launch and this was all going on. I mean, you knew what was going to on. I mean, you knew what was going to on. I mean, you knew what was going to happen. happen. happen. >> Yeah. I made the decision Thursday >> Yeah. I made the decision Thursday >> Yeah. I made the decision Thursday night, informed my team Friday morning night, informed my team Friday morning night, informed my team Friday morning and then we flew off to look at the and then we flew off to look at the and then we flew off to look at the tornado damage to go to Cape Canaveral. tornado damage to go to Cape Canaveral. tornado damage to go to Cape Canaveral. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> To make [cheering] a speech, a >> To make [cheering] a speech, a >> To make [cheering] a speech, a commencement speech. And then we had the commencement speech. And then we had the commencement speech. And then we had the White House correspondence dinner on White House correspondence dinner on White House correspondence dinner on Saturday night. [cheering] Saturday night. [cheering] Saturday night. [cheering] [applause] [applause] [applause] The presidency requires you to do more The presidency requires you to do more The presidency requires you to do more than one thing at a time. This was in than one thing at a time. This was in than one thing at a time. This was in the back of my mind uh all weekend. the back of my mind uh all weekend. the back of my mind uh all weekend. >> Just the back >> Just the back >> Just the back >> uh middle, front.

>> uh middle, front. >> uh middle, front. >> Was it hard keeping your focus? >> Was it hard keeping your focus? >> Was it hard keeping your focus? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Did you have to suppress the urge to >> Did you have to suppress the urge to >> Did you have to suppress the urge to tell someone? Did you want to tell tell someone? Did you want to tell tell someone? Did you want to tell somebody? Did you want to tell Michelle? somebody? Did you want to tell Michelle? somebody? Did you want to tell Michelle? Did you tell Michelle? Did you tell Michelle? Did you tell Michelle? >> You know, uh >> You know, uh >> You know, uh one of the great successes of this one of the great successes of this one of the great successes of this operation was that we were able to keep operation was that we were able to keep operation was that we were able to keep this thing secret. And I and and it's a this thing secret. And I and and it's a this thing secret. And I and and it's a testimony to how seriously testimony to how seriously testimony to how seriously everybody took this operation and the everybody took this operation and the everybody took this operation and the understanding that any leak could end up understanding that any leak could end up understanding that any leak could end up not only uh compromising the mission but not only uh compromising the mission but not only uh compromising the mission but killing some of the guys that we were killing some of the guys that we were killing some of the guys that we were sending in there. Uh and so very few sending in there. Uh and so very few sending in there. Uh and so very few people in the White House knew. The vast people in the White House knew. The vast people in the White House knew. The vast majority of my most senior aids did not majority of my most senior aids did not majority of my most senior aids did not know uh that we were doing this. Um and know uh that we were doing this. Um and know uh that we were doing this. Um and uh uh uh you know there there were times where you know there there were times where you know there there were times where you wanted to go around and talk this you wanted to go around and talk this you wanted to go around and talk this through with some more folks uh and that through with some more folks uh and that through with some more folks uh and that just wasn't an option. Um and and during just wasn't an option. Um and and during just wasn't an option. Um and and during the course of the weekend, you know, uh the course of the weekend, you know, uh the course of the weekend, you know, uh there was no doubt that uh this was there was no doubt that uh this was there was no doubt that uh this was weighing on me.

weighing on me. weighing on me. >> When we come back, President Obama reles >> When we come back, President Obama reles >> When we come back, President Obama reles the tensionfilled moments as he and his the tensionfilled moments as he and his the tensionfilled moments as he and his closest advisers monitored the assault closest advisers monitored the assault closest advisers monitored the assault on the Bin Laden compound. on the Bin Laden compound. on the Bin Laden compound. The story will continue after this. >> Last Sunday, as the final preparations >> Last Sunday, as the final preparations for the raid were underway, President for the raid were underway, President for the raid were underway, President Obama continued with his charade of Obama continued with his charade of Obama continued with his charade of business as usual. Most people in the business as usual. Most people in the business as usual. Most people in the White House, including some of his White House, including some of his White House, including some of his closest aids, had no idea what was about closest aids, had no idea what was about closest aids, had no idea what was about to happen. To break the tension and to to happen. To break the tension and to to happen. To break the tension and to clear his head, he played some golf in clear his head, he played some golf in clear his head, he played some golf in the morning, waiting for the sun to go the morning, waiting for the sun to go the morning, waiting for the sun to go down in Pakistan. Then he returned to down in Pakistan. Then he returned to down in Pakistan. Then he returned to the White House for the most critical 40 the White House for the most critical 40 the White House for the most critical 40 minutes of his presidency. In minutes of his presidency. In minutes of his presidency. In midafternoon, he gathered the architects midafternoon, he gathered the architects midafternoon, he gathered the architects of the mission in a windowless room in of the mission in a windowless room in of the mission in a windowless room in the White House basement to watch it all the White House basement to watch it all the White House basement to watch it all unfold. unfold. unfold. >> I want to go to the situation room. >> I want to go to the situation room. >> I want to go to the situation room. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What was the mood? >> What was the mood? >> What was the mood? >> Tense. >> Tense. >> Tense. >> People talking. >> People talking. >> People talking. >> Yeah. but u doing a lot of listening as >> Yeah. but u doing a lot of listening as >> Yeah. but u doing a lot of listening as well because because we were able to well because because we were able to well because because we were able to monitor the situation in real time monitor the situation in real time monitor the situation in real time getting reports back from Bill McCraven, getting reports back from Bill McCraven, getting reports back from Bill McCraven, the head of uh our special forces the head of uh our special forces the head of uh our special forces operations as well as Leon Petta. There operations as well as Leon Petta. There operations as well as Leon Petta. There there were big chunks of time in which there were big chunks of time in which there were big chunks of time in which all we were doing was just waiting. Uh, all we were doing was just waiting. Uh, all we were doing was just waiting. Uh, and it was the longest 40 minutes uh, of and it was the longest 40 minutes uh, of and it was the longest 40 minutes uh, of my life with the possible exception of my life with the possible exception of my life with the possible exception of when uh, Sasha got menitis when she was

when uh, Sasha got menitis when she was when uh, Sasha got menitis when she was 3 months old and I was waiting for the 3 months old and I was waiting for the 3 months old and I was waiting for the doctor to tell me that she was all doctor to tell me that she was all doctor to tell me that she was all right. It was a very tense situation. right. It was a very tense situation. right. It was a very tense situation. >> Were you nervous? >> Were you nervous? >> Were you nervous? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> What could you see? We were monitoring >> What could you see? We were monitoring >> What could you see? We were monitoring the situation uh and uh we knew as the situation uh and uh we knew as the situation uh and uh we knew as events unfolded events unfolded events unfolded uh what was happening in uh in and uh what was happening in uh in and uh what was happening in uh in and around the compound but we could not uh around the compound but we could not uh around the compound but we could not uh uh get information clearly about what uh get information clearly about what uh get information clearly about what was happening inside the compound. was happening inside the compound. was happening inside the compound. >> Right. And that went on for a long time. >> Right. And that went on for a long time. >> Right. And that went on for a long time. Could you hear gunfire? Could you hear gunfire? Could you hear gunfire? >> Um we had a sense of when gunfire uh and >> Um we had a sense of when gunfire uh and >> Um we had a sense of when gunfire uh and explosions took place. flashes. explosions took place. flashes. explosions took place. flashes. >> Yeah. And we also knew uh when uh one of >> Yeah. And we also knew uh when uh one of >> Yeah. And we also knew uh when uh one of the helicopters the helicopters the helicopters uh went down in a way that wasn't uh went down in a way that wasn't uh went down in a way that wasn't according to plan. Uh and as you might according to plan. Uh and as you might according to plan. Uh and as you might imagine, uh that made us more tense. imagine, uh that made us more tense. imagine, uh that made us more tense. >> So, it got off to a bad start. >> So, it got off to a bad start. >> So, it got off to a bad start. >> Well, it it it it did not go exactly >> Well, it it it it did not go exactly >> Well, it it it it did not go exactly according to plan. But this is exactly according to plan. But this is exactly according to plan. But this is exactly where all the work that had been done where all the work that had been done where all the work that had been done anticipating what might go wrong made a anticipating what might go wrong made a anticipating what might go wrong made a huge difference.

huge difference. huge difference. >> There was a backup plan. >> There was a backup plan. >> There was a backup plan. >> There was a backup plan. >> There was a backup plan. >> There was a backup plan. >> You had to blow up some walls. >> You had to blow up some walls. >> You had to blow up some walls. >> We had to blow up some walls. >> We had to blow up some walls. >> We had to blow up some walls. >> When was the first indication that you >> When was the first indication that you >> When was the first indication that you had found the right place that Bin Laden had found the right place that Bin Laden had found the right place that Bin Laden was in there? was in there? was in there? There was a a point uh before folks had There was a a point uh before folks had There was a a point uh before folks had left, before we had gotten everybody left, before we had gotten everybody left, before we had gotten everybody back on the helicopter and were flying back on the helicopter and were flying back on the helicopter and were flying uh back to base uh back to base uh back to base where uh they said uh where uh they said uh where uh they said uh Geronimo uh is uh has has been killed Geronimo uh is uh has has been killed Geronimo uh is uh has has been killed and Gono was the code name for Bin and Gono was the code name for Bin and Gono was the code name for Bin Laden. And now obviously at that point Laden. And now obviously at that point Laden. And now obviously at that point these guys are operating in the dark these guys are operating in the dark these guys are operating in the dark with all kinds of stuff going on. Uh so with all kinds of stuff going on. Uh so with all kinds of stuff going on. Uh so everybody was cautious but uh at that everybody was cautious but uh at that everybody was cautious but uh at that point cautiously optimistic. point cautiously optimistic. point cautiously optimistic. >> What was your reaction when you heard >> What was your reaction when you heard >> What was your reaction when you heard those words? those words? those words? >> Uh >> Uh >> Uh I was I was I was um relieved um relieved um relieved and I wanted to make sure those guys got and I wanted to make sure those guys got and I wanted to make sure those guys got over uh the Pakistan border and landed over uh the Pakistan border and landed over uh the Pakistan border and landed safely.

safely. safely. Um Um Um and and I think deeply proud and deeply and and I think deeply proud and deeply and and I think deeply proud and deeply satisfied of my team. satisfied of my team. satisfied of my team. >> When did you start to feel comfortable >> When did you start to feel comfortable >> When did you start to feel comfortable that Bin Laden had been killed? that Bin Laden had been killed? that Bin Laden had been killed? >> When they landed, uh we had very strong >> When they landed, uh we had very strong >> When they landed, uh we had very strong confirmation at that point uh that it confirmation at that point uh that it confirmation at that point uh that it was him. Uh photographs had been taken. was him. Uh photographs had been taken. was him. Uh photographs had been taken. Um Um Um facial analysis indicated that in fact facial analysis indicated that in fact facial analysis indicated that in fact it was him. Uh we hadn't yet done DNA it was him. Uh we hadn't yet done DNA it was him. Uh we hadn't yet done DNA testing. Uh but at that point we were testing. Uh but at that point we were testing. Uh but at that point we were 95% sure. 95% sure. 95% sure. >> Did you see the pictures? >> Did you see the pictures? >> Did you see the pictures? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> What was your reaction when you saw >> What was your reaction when you saw >> What was your reaction when you saw them? them? them? >> It was him. >> It was him. >> It was him. >> Why haven't you released them? >> Why haven't you released them? >> Why haven't you released them? >> You know, um we discussed this >> You know, um we discussed this >> You know, um we discussed this internally. internally. internally. Uh keep in mind that we are absolutely Uh keep in mind that we are absolutely Uh keep in mind that we are absolutely certain this was him. We've done DNA uh certain this was him. We've done DNA uh certain this was him. We've done DNA uh sampling and testing. Uh and and so sampling and testing. Uh and and so sampling and testing. Uh and and so there is no doubt that we killed Osama there is no doubt that we killed Osama there is no doubt that we killed Osama bin Laden. Uh it is important for us to bin Laden. Uh it is important for us to bin Laden. Uh it is important for us to make sure that make sure that make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was very graphic photos of somebody who was very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head uh are not floating shot in the head uh are not floating shot in the head uh are not floating around uh as around uh as around uh as uh an incitement to additional violence uh an incitement to additional violence uh an incitement to additional violence as a propaganda tool. Uh you know that's as a propaganda tool. Uh you know that's as a propaganda tool. Uh you know that's not who we are. uh you know we don't not who we are. uh you know we don't not who we are. uh you know we don't trot out this stuff as trophies. Um trot out this stuff as trophies. Um trot out this stuff as trophies. Um you know the fact of the matter is this you know the fact of the matter is this you know the fact of the matter is this was somebody who was uh deserving of the

was somebody who was uh deserving of the was somebody who was uh deserving of the justice that he received. Uh and I think justice that he received. Uh and I think justice that he received. Uh and I think Americans and people around the world Americans and people around the world Americans and people around the world are glad that he's gone. Um but uh but are glad that he's gone. Um but uh but are glad that he's gone. Um but uh but we don't need to spike the football. Uh we don't need to spike the football. Uh we don't need to spike the football. Uh and uh I think that given the the and uh I think that given the the and uh I think that given the the graphic nature of these photos uh it graphic nature of these photos uh it graphic nature of these photos uh it would uh create some national security would uh create some national security would uh create some national security risk and I've discussed this with uh Bob risk and I've discussed this with uh Bob risk and I've discussed this with uh Bob Gates and Hillary Clinton and uh my Gates and Hillary Clinton and uh my Gates and Hillary Clinton and uh my intelligence teams and they all agree. intelligence teams and they all agree. intelligence teams and they all agree. >> There are people in Pakistan for example >> There are people in Pakistan for example >> There are people in Pakistan for example who say look this is all a lie. This is who say look this is all a lie. This is who say look this is all a lie. This is another American trick. Osama is not another American trick. Osama is not another American trick. Osama is not dead. dead. dead. >> There's no doubt that Bin Laden is dead. >> There's no doubt that Bin Laden is dead. >> There's no doubt that Bin Laden is dead. Certainly there's no doubt among Certainly there's no doubt among Certainly there's no doubt among al-Qaeda members that he's dead. Uh and al-Qaeda members that he's dead. Uh and al-Qaeda members that he's dead. Uh and so uh uh we don't think that u a so uh uh we don't think that u a so uh uh we don't think that u a photograph in and of itself uh is going photograph in and of itself uh is going photograph in and of itself uh is going to make any difference. There going to to make any difference. There going to to make any difference. There going to be some folks who deny it. Uh the fact be some folks who deny it. Uh the fact be some folks who deny it. Uh the fact of the matter is you will not see Bin of the matter is you will not see Bin of the matter is you will not see Bin Laden walking on this earth again. Laden walking on this earth again. Laden walking on this earth again. >> Was it your decision to bury him at sea? >> Was it your decision to bury him at sea? >> Was it your decision to bury him at sea? >> It was a a joint decision. uh uh we >> It was a a joint decision. uh uh we >> It was a a joint decision. uh uh we thought it was important uh to think thought it was important uh to think thought it was important uh to think through ahead of time uh how we would through ahead of time uh how we would through ahead of time uh how we would dis dispose of the body uh uh if he were dis dispose of the body uh uh if he were dis dispose of the body uh uh if he were killed in the compound. Uh and uh I killed in the compound. Uh and uh I killed in the compound. Uh and uh I think that uh what we tried to do was think that uh what we tried to do was think that uh what we tried to do was consulting with uh experts in uh Islamic consulting with uh experts in uh Islamic consulting with uh experts in uh Islamic law and ritual uh to find something that law and ritual uh to find something that law and ritual uh to find something that was appropriate uh that was uh was appropriate uh that was uh was appropriate uh that was uh respectful of the body. Um, frankly, uh,

respectful of the body. Um, frankly, uh, respectful of the body. Um, frankly, uh, we took more care on this than obviously we took more care on this than obviously we took more care on this than obviously Bin Laden took, uh, when he killed 3,000 Bin Laden took, uh, when he killed 3,000 Bin Laden took, uh, when he killed 3,000 people. Uh, he didn't have much regard people. Uh, he didn't have much regard people. Uh, he didn't have much regard for how they were treated, uh, and for how they were treated, uh, and for how they were treated, uh, and desecrated. desecrated. desecrated. Uh, but that again is something that Uh, but that again is something that Uh, but that again is something that makes us different. makes us different. makes us different. >> When the mission was over >> When the mission was over >> When the mission was over >> and you walked out of the situation >> and you walked out of the situation >> and you walked out of the situation room, room, room, >> uh, what did you do? What was the first >> uh, what did you do? What was the first >> uh, what did you do? What was the first thing you did? thing you did? thing you did? Um, you know, I think I I walked up uh Um, you know, I think I I walked up uh Um, you know, I think I I walked up uh with um with um with um with my team and I just said, "We got with my team and I just said, "We got with my team and I just said, "We got him." him." him." >> Good job. >> Good job. >> Good job. >> The White House released video that >> The White House released video that >> The White House released video that captured the mood as aids and captured the mood as aids and captured the mood as aids and congressional leaders were given the congressional leaders were given the congressional leaders were given the news. news. news. >> The reason I'm calling is they tell you >> The reason I'm calling is they tell you >> The reason I'm calling is they tell you we killed we killed we killed >> we killed. >> we killed. >> we killed. >> And the president thanked cabinet >> And the president thanked cabinet >> And the president thanked cabinet members and advisers after Sunday members and advisers after Sunday members and advisers after Sunday night's speech. Good job, National night's speech. Good job, National night's speech. Good job, National Security Team. Security Team. Security Team. >> Thank you for that. >> Thank you for that. >> Thank you for that. >> Yeah, I'm proud of you.

>> Yeah, I'm proud of you. >> Yeah, I'm proud of you. >> You guys did a great job. >> You guys did a great job. >> You guys did a great job. >> They did. >> They did. >> They did. >> It was a moment of great pride for me uh >> It was a moment of great pride for me uh >> It was a moment of great pride for me uh to see our capacity as a nation uh to to see our capacity as a nation uh to to see our capacity as a nation uh to execute something this difficult uh this execute something this difficult uh this execute something this difficult uh this well. In a moment, President Obama talks well. In a moment, President Obama talks well. In a moment, President Obama talks about our allies in Pakistan, why he about our allies in Pakistan, why he about our allies in Pakistan, why he chose not to tell them about the chose not to tell them about the chose not to tell them about the mission, and where we go from here now mission, and where we go from here now mission, and where we go from here now that Bin Laden is dead. that Bin Laden is dead. that Bin Laden is dead. >> The story will continue after this. >> The special forces mission that killed >> The special forces mission that killed Osama bin Laden was extremely difficult. Osama bin Laden was extremely difficult. Osama bin Laden was extremely difficult. Not just because of its operational Not just because of its operational Not just because of its operational complexity and the uncertainty of the complexity and the uncertainty of the complexity and the uncertainty of the intelligence. It was also complicated by intelligence. It was also complicated by intelligence. It was also complicated by the location where Bin Laden was finally the location where Bin Laden was finally the location where Bin Laden was finally discovered. Not far from Pakistan's discovered. Not far from Pakistan's discovered. Not far from Pakistan's capital and right under the noses of the capital and right under the noses of the capital and right under the noses of the Pakistani army. There have long been Pakistani army. There have long been Pakistani army. There have long been doubts about the commitment and doubts about the commitment and doubts about the commitment and trustworthiness of America's chief ally trustworthiness of America's chief ally trustworthiness of America's chief ally in the fight against al-Qaeda. And in the fight against al-Qaeda. And in the fight against al-Qaeda. And Pakistan was kept in the dark about the Pakistan was kept in the dark about the Pakistan was kept in the dark about the assault against Bin Laden. Now the assault against Bin Laden. Now the assault against Bin Laden. Now the relationship between the two countries relationship between the two countries relationship between the two countries has never been worse.

has never been worse. has never been worse. You didn't tell anybody in the Pakistani You didn't tell anybody in the Pakistani You didn't tell anybody in the Pakistani government or the military or the government or the military or the government or the military or the intelligence community? intelligence community? intelligence community? >> No. [snorts] >> No. [snorts] >> No. [snorts] >> Because you didn't trust them. >> Because you didn't trust them. >> Because you didn't trust them. >> As I said, I didn't tell most people >> As I said, I didn't tell most people >> As I said, I didn't tell most people here in the White House. Um I didn't here in the White House. Um I didn't here in the White House. Um I didn't tell my own family. Uh it was that tell my own family. Uh it was that tell my own family. Uh it was that important for us to maintain operational important for us to maintain operational important for us to maintain operational security. security. security. >> But you were carrying out this operation >> But you were carrying out this operation >> But you were carrying out this operation in Pakistan. in Pakistan. in Pakistan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You didn't trust them. >> You didn't trust them. >> You didn't trust them. If I'm not revealing to some of my If I'm not revealing to some of my If I'm not revealing to some of my closest aids what we're doing, then I closest aids what we're doing, then I closest aids what we're doing, then I sure as heck am not going to be sure as heck am not going to be sure as heck am not going to be revealing it to folks who I don't know revealing it to folks who I don't know revealing it to folks who I don't know right now. It's certainly the the right now. It's certainly the the right now. It's certainly the the location of his house, the location of location of his house, the location of location of his house, the location of the compound just raises all sorts of the compound just raises all sorts of the compound just raises all sorts of questions. Do you believe people in the questions. Do you believe people in the questions. Do you believe people in the in the Pakistani government, Pakistani in the Pakistani government, Pakistani in the Pakistani government, Pakistani intelligence agencies knew that bin intelligence agencies knew that bin intelligence agencies knew that bin Laden was living there? Laden was living there? Laden was living there? We think that there had to be some sort We think that there had to be some sort We think that there had to be some sort of support network for bin Laden inside of support network for bin Laden inside of support network for bin Laden inside of Pakistan, of Pakistan, of Pakistan, but we don't know who or what that but we don't know who or what that but we don't know who or what that support network was. We don't know support network was. We don't know support network was. We don't know whether there might have been some whether there might have been some whether there might have been some people inside of government, people people inside of government, people people inside of government, people outside of government and that's outside of government and that's outside of government and that's something that we have to investigate something that we have to investigate something that we have to investigate and more importantly the Pakistani and more importantly the Pakistani and more importantly the Pakistani government has to investigate. uh and government has to investigate. uh and government has to investigate. uh and we've already communicated to them and we've already communicated to them and we've already communicated to them and they have indicated they have a profound they have indicated they have a profound they have indicated they have a profound interest in finding out what kinds of interest in finding out what kinds of interest in finding out what kinds of support networks bin Laden might have support networks bin Laden might have support networks bin Laden might have had. Uh but these are questions that had. Uh but these are questions that had. Uh but these are questions that we're not going to be able to answer 3 we're not going to be able to answer 3 we're not going to be able to answer 3 or 4 days after the event.

or 4 days after the event. or 4 days after the event. >> Pakistan's incompetence or duplicity in >> Pakistan's incompetence or duplicity in >> Pakistan's incompetence or duplicity in failing to locate Bin Laden has already failing to locate Bin Laden has already failing to locate Bin Laden has already sparked a debate over whether the US sparked a debate over whether the US sparked a debate over whether the US should continue to supply the country should continue to supply the country should continue to supply the country with billions of dollars in military with billions of dollars in military with billions of dollars in military aid. But good relations with Pakistan aid. But good relations with Pakistan aid. But good relations with Pakistan are still vital to US interests. Most of are still vital to US interests. Most of are still vital to US interests. Most of the supplies for US troops fighting in the supplies for US troops fighting in the supplies for US troops fighting in Afghanistan must move through Pakistan. Afghanistan must move through Pakistan. Afghanistan must move through Pakistan. And President Obama says it remains a And President Obama says it remains a And President Obama says it remains a valuable source of information. When you valuable source of information. When you valuable source of information. When you announced that Bin Laden had been killed announced that Bin Laden had been killed announced that Bin Laden had been killed last Sunday, you said uh our last Sunday, you said uh our last Sunday, you said uh our counterterrorism cooperation with counterterrorism cooperation with counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to Bin Laden in Pakistan helped lead us to Bin Laden in Pakistan helped lead us to Bin Laden in the compound where he was hiding. Can the compound where he was hiding. Can the compound where he was hiding. Can you be more specific on that and how you be more specific on that and how you be more specific on that and how much help did Pakistan actually provide much help did Pakistan actually provide much help did Pakistan actually provide in getting rid of Bin Laden? in getting rid of Bin Laden? in getting rid of Bin Laden? >> What I can say is is that Pakistan since >> What I can say is is that Pakistan since >> What I can say is is that Pakistan since 9/11 has been a strong counterterrorism 9/11 has been a strong counterterrorism 9/11 has been a strong counterterrorism partner with us. Uh there have been partner with us. Uh there have been partner with us. Uh there have been times where we've had disagreements. Uh times where we've had disagreements. Uh times where we've had disagreements. Uh there have been times where we want to there have been times where we want to there have been times where we want to push harder and for various concerns push harder and for various concerns push harder and for various concerns they uh might have hesitated. Uh and they uh might have hesitated. Uh and they uh might have hesitated. Uh and those differences are real and they'll those differences are real and they'll those differences are real and they'll continue.

continue. continue. But the fact of the matter is is that But the fact of the matter is is that But the fact of the matter is is that we've been able to kill more terrorists we've been able to kill more terrorists we've been able to kill more terrorists on Pakistani soil than just about any on Pakistani soil than just about any on Pakistani soil than just about any place else. We could not have done that place else. We could not have done that place else. We could not have done that without Pakistani cooperation. without Pakistani cooperation. without Pakistani cooperation. uh and I I think that this will be an uh and I I think that this will be an uh and I I think that this will be an important moment in which uh Pakistan important moment in which uh Pakistan important moment in which uh Pakistan and the United States and the United States and the United States gets together and says, "All right, we gets together and says, "All right, we gets together and says, "All right, we we've gotten Bin Laden, but we've got we've gotten Bin Laden, but we've got we've gotten Bin Laden, but we've got more work to do, and are there ways for more work to do, and are there ways for more work to do, and are there ways for us to work more effectively together us to work more effectively together us to work more effectively together than we have in the past?" Um and and than we have in the past?" Um and and than we have in the past?" Um and and that's going to be important for our that's going to be important for our that's going to be important for our national security. national security. national security. >> But the US won't have to rely >> But the US won't have to rely >> But the US won't have to rely exclusively on Pakistan to investigate exclusively on Pakistan to investigate exclusively on Pakistan to investigate Bin Laden's support network inside that Bin Laden's support network inside that Bin Laden's support network inside that country. The US has had Bin Laden's country. The US has had Bin Laden's country. The US has had Bin Laden's compound under surveillance for months, compound under surveillance for months, compound under surveillance for months, checking the comingings and goings. And checking the comingings and goings. And checking the comingings and goings. And there is all that material that was there is all that material that was there is all that material that was confiscated from his lair during the confiscated from his lair during the confiscated from his lair during the raid. This video released over the raid. This video released over the raid. This video released over the weekend shows bin Laden watching himself weekend shows bin Laden watching himself weekend shows bin Laden watching himself on Al Jazera. A novelty item compared to on Al Jazera. A novelty item compared to on Al Jazera. A novelty item compared to the documents, files, and computer the documents, files, and computer the documents, files, and computer drives that are expected to yield drives that are expected to yield drives that are expected to yield valuable information about his contacts valuable information about his contacts valuable information about his contacts in Pakistan and around the world.

in Pakistan and around the world. in Pakistan and around the world. >> It's going to take some time for us to >> It's going to take some time for us to >> It's going to take some time for us to be able to exploit uh the intelligence be able to exploit uh the intelligence be able to exploit uh the intelligence that we were able to gather on site. Uh that we were able to gather on site. Uh that we were able to gather on site. Uh and I I just want the American people to and I I just want the American people to and I I just want the American people to think about this. These guys, our guys think about this. These guys, our guys think about this. These guys, our guys go in in in the dead of night. It's go in in in the dead of night. It's go in in in the dead of night. It's pitch black. They're taking out walls, pitch black. They're taking out walls, pitch black. They're taking out walls, false doors, getting shot at. They kill false doors, getting shot at. They kill false doors, getting shot at. They kill Bin Laden, Bin Laden, Bin Laden, and they have the presence of mind to and they have the presence of mind to and they have the presence of mind to still gather up uh a whole bunch of uh still gather up uh a whole bunch of uh still gather up uh a whole bunch of uh Bin Laden's material uh which will be a Bin Laden's material uh which will be a Bin Laden's material uh which will be a treasure trove of information uh that treasure trove of information uh that treasure trove of information uh that could serve us very well uh in in the could serve us very well uh in in the could serve us very well uh in in the weeks, months to come. It's just an weeks, months to come. It's just an weeks, months to come. It's just an indication of uh the extraordinary work indication of uh the extraordinary work indication of uh the extraordinary work that they did. that they did. that they did. >> Do you have any sense of what they found >> Do you have any sense of what they found >> Do you have any sense of what they found there? there? there? >> Uh we are now obviously putting >> Uh we are now obviously putting >> Uh we are now obviously putting everything we've got into everything we've got into everything we've got into uh analyzing and evaluating all that uh analyzing and evaluating all that uh analyzing and evaluating all that information. But we anticipate that it information. But we anticipate that it information. But we anticipate that it can give us leads to other terrorists can give us leads to other terrorists can give us leads to other terrorists that we've been looking for for a long that we've been looking for for a long that we've been looking for for a long time, other high-v value targets. uh but time, other high-v value targets. uh but time, other high-v value targets. uh but also uh can give us a better sense of uh also uh can give us a better sense of uh also uh can give us a better sense of uh existing plots that might have been existing plots that might have been existing plots that might have been there um how they operated and and and there um how they operated and and and there um how they operated and and and their methods uh uh of communicating.

their methods uh uh of communicating. their methods uh uh of communicating. And we now have the opportunity, we're And we now have the opportunity, we're And we now have the opportunity, we're not done yet, but we've got the not done yet, but we've got the not done yet, but we've got the opportunity, I think, to really uh opportunity, I think, to really uh opportunity, I think, to really uh finally defeat uh at least al-Qaeda in finally defeat uh at least al-Qaeda in finally defeat uh at least al-Qaeda in that border region between Pakistan and that border region between Pakistan and that border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. That doesn't mean that we Afghanistan. That doesn't mean that we Afghanistan. That doesn't mean that we will defeat terrorism. uh it doesn't will defeat terrorism. uh it doesn't will defeat terrorism. uh it doesn't mean that uh al-Qaeda hasn't mean that uh al-Qaeda hasn't mean that uh al-Qaeda hasn't metastasized to other parts of the world metastasized to other parts of the world metastasized to other parts of the world where we've got to uh you know address where we've got to uh you know address where we've got to uh you know address uh operatives there. Uh but it does mean uh operatives there. Uh but it does mean uh operatives there. Uh but it does mean we've got a chance to I think really we've got a chance to I think really we've got a chance to I think really deliver a fatal blow to this deliver a fatal blow to this deliver a fatal blow to this organization if we follow through organization if we follow through organization if we follow through aggressively in the months to come. aggressively in the months to come. aggressively in the months to come. By the time President Obama arrived in By the time President Obama arrived in By the time President Obama arrived in New York City on Thursday to honor the New York City on Thursday to honor the New York City on Thursday to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11, nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11, nearly 3,000 people killed on 9/11, there were already reports of evidence there were already reports of evidence there were already reports of evidence collected from Bin Laden's compound collected from Bin Laden's compound collected from Bin Laden's compound about al-Qaeda's aspirations to conduct about al-Qaeda's aspirations to conduct about al-Qaeda's aspirations to conduct attacks on US rail systems. attacks on US rail systems. attacks on US rail systems. >> This was President Obama's first visit >> This was President Obama's first visit >> This was President Obama's first visit to ground zero since taking office, and to ground zero since taking office, and to ground zero since taking office, and he wanted to close a loop.

he wanted to close a loop. he wanted to close a loop. He laid a wreath of red, white, and blue He laid a wreath of red, white, and blue He laid a wreath of red, white, and blue at the foot of a tree that was pulled at the foot of a tree that was pulled at the foot of a tree that was pulled from the rubble, nursed back to health, from the rubble, nursed back to health, from the rubble, nursed back to health, and replanted. And he met with relatives and replanted. And he met with relatives and replanted. And he met with relatives of the victims. One of them, 14-year-old of the victims. One of them, 14-year-old of the victims. One of them, 14-year-old Payton Wall, who had sent the president Payton Wall, who had sent the president Payton Wall, who had sent the president a letter earlier in the week about her a letter earlier in the week about her a letter earlier in the week about her father, Glenn, who was killed when the father, Glenn, who was killed when the father, Glenn, who was killed when the towers fell. towers fell. towers fell. >> She'd spoken to her dad when she was >> She'd spoken to her dad when she was >> She'd spoken to her dad when she was four years old before the towers four years old before the towers four years old before the towers collapsed. he was uh he was in the collapsed. he was uh he was in the collapsed. he was uh he was in the building and she described what it had building and she described what it had building and she described what it had been like for the last 10 years uh been like for the last 10 years uh been like for the last 10 years uh growing up always having the sound of growing up always having the sound of growing up always having the sound of her father's voice and and thinking that her father's voice and and thinking that her father's voice and and thinking that she'd never see him again and watching she'd never see him again and watching she'd never see him again and watching her mother uh weep uh on the phone. her mother uh weep uh on the phone. her mother uh weep uh on the phone. >> Let's go, guys. Come on. >> Let's go, guys. Come on. >> Let's go, guys. Come on. >> The president also paid a visit to >> The president also paid a visit to >> The president also paid a visit to Engine 54 Ladder 4, the New York Engine 54 Ladder 4, the New York Engine 54 Ladder 4, the New York firehouse that had 15 people killed on firehouse that had 15 people killed on firehouse that had 15 people killed on September 11th. He dedicated the raid to September 11th. He dedicated the raid to September 11th. He dedicated the raid to them and thousands of others who had them and thousands of others who had them and thousands of others who had lost their lives that day. After the lost their lives that day. After the lost their lives that day. After the ceremony, we managed to grab a few more ceremony, we managed to grab a few more ceremony, we managed to grab a few more minutes with the president to talk about minutes with the president to talk about minutes with the president to talk about the future.

the future. the future. >> In some ways, this is the end of a >> In some ways, this is the end of a >> In some ways, this is the end of a chapter. chapter. chapter. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, and I want to ask you a little bit >> Um, and I want to ask you a little bit >> Um, and I want to ask you a little bit about where we go from here. There are about where we go from here. There are about where we go from here. There are people in Congress, the influential people in Congress, the influential people in Congress, the influential people now on both sides of the aisle, people now on both sides of the aisle, people now on both sides of the aisle, uh, who are saying that this is an uh, who are saying that this is an uh, who are saying that this is an opportunity for us to cut our commitment opportunity for us to cut our commitment opportunity for us to cut our commitment in Afghanistan and hasten our in Afghanistan and hasten our in Afghanistan and hasten our withdrawals. What's your response to withdrawals. What's your response to withdrawals. What's your response to that? Well, first of all, uh, remember that? Well, first of all, uh, remember that? Well, first of all, uh, remember that when I came in, I said, "We're that when I came in, I said, "We're that when I came in, I said, "We're going to end the war in Iraq so that we going to end the war in Iraq so that we going to end the war in Iraq so that we can refocus attention on Afghanistan, can refocus attention on Afghanistan, can refocus attention on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the border region there Pakistan, and the border region there Pakistan, and the border region there where al-Qaeda was focused." U, we've where al-Qaeda was focused." U, we've where al-Qaeda was focused." U, we've now removed 100,000 troops from Iraq. now removed 100,000 troops from Iraq. now removed 100,000 troops from Iraq. Uh, we did increase our troop levels in Uh, we did increase our troop levels in Uh, we did increase our troop levels in Afghanistan so that we could blunt the Afghanistan so that we could blunt the Afghanistan so that we could blunt the momentum of the Taliban and create momentum of the Taliban and create momentum of the Taliban and create platforms that would allow us to go platforms that would allow us to go platforms that would allow us to go after al-Qaeda directly. We've after al-Qaeda directly. We've after al-Qaeda directly. We've denigrated al-Qaeda significantly even denigrated al-Qaeda significantly even denigrated al-Qaeda significantly even before we got Bin Laden. And uh and the before we got Bin Laden. And uh and the before we got Bin Laden. And uh and the I think it's important for everybody to I think it's important for everybody to I think it's important for everybody to understand that uh the work that's been understand that uh the work that's been understand that uh the work that's been done in Afghanistan helped to prepare us done in Afghanistan helped to prepare us done in Afghanistan helped to prepare us for being able to take Bin Laden out.

for being able to take Bin Laden out. for being able to take Bin Laden out. Now, I've already committed to a Now, I've already committed to a Now, I've already committed to a transition starting in July where we're transition starting in July where we're transition starting in July where we're going to begin drawing down our troops going to begin drawing down our troops going to begin drawing down our troops in Afghanistan. Uh but it's important to in Afghanistan. Uh but it's important to in Afghanistan. Uh but it's important to understand that our job's not yet understand that our job's not yet understand that our job's not yet finished and that we've got to make sure finished and that we've got to make sure finished and that we've got to make sure that we uh leave an Afghanistan that can that we uh leave an Afghanistan that can that we uh leave an Afghanistan that can secure itself that does not again become secure itself that does not again become secure itself that does not again become a safe haven for terrorist activity. a safe haven for terrorist activity. a safe haven for terrorist activity. >> Uh but I think that that can be >> Uh but I think that that can be >> Uh but I think that that can be accomplished on the timeline that I've accomplished on the timeline that I've accomplished on the timeline that I've already set out. already set out. already set out. >> I mean, you seem to think that it might >> I mean, you seem to think that it might >> I mean, you seem to think that it might hasten our withdrawal. Well, keep in hasten our withdrawal. Well, keep in hasten our withdrawal. Well, keep in mind uh what has happened on Sunday, I mind uh what has happened on Sunday, I mind uh what has happened on Sunday, I think reconfirms think reconfirms think reconfirms that we can focus on al-Qaeda, focus on that we can focus on al-Qaeda, focus on that we can focus on al-Qaeda, focus on the threats to our homeland, train the threats to our homeland, train the threats to our homeland, train Afghans, uh in a way that allows them to Afghans, uh in a way that allows them to Afghans, uh in a way that allows them to stabilize their country, uh but we don't stabilize their country, uh but we don't stabilize their country, uh but we don't need to have a perpetual footprint of need to have a perpetual footprint of need to have a perpetual footprint of the size that we have now. the size that we have now. the size that we have now. >> Do you think this improves the chances >> Do you think this improves the chances >> Do you think this improves the chances for some kind of a negotiated settlement for some kind of a negotiated settlement for some kind of a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan? I think what it does is in Afghanistan? I think what it does is in Afghanistan? I think what it does is it sends a signal to it sends a signal to it sends a signal to those who might have been affiliated those who might have been affiliated those who might have been affiliated with terrorist organizations with terrorist organizations with terrorist organizations that might have had a favorable view that might have had a favorable view that might have had a favorable view towards al-Qaeda that they're going to towards al-Qaeda that they're going to towards al-Qaeda that they're going to be on the losing side of this be on the losing side of this be on the losing side of this proposition. And it may make uh some of proposition. And it may make uh some of proposition. And it may make uh some of those local power brokers, those local those local power brokers, those local those local power brokers, those local Taliban leaders have second thoughts and Taliban leaders have second thoughts and Taliban leaders have second thoughts and say maybe it makes more sense for us to say maybe it makes more sense for us to say maybe it makes more sense for us to figure out how to participate in a figure out how to participate in a figure out how to participate in a political process uh as opposed to uh political process uh as opposed to uh political process uh as opposed to uh engaging in a war with folks who I think engaging in a war with folks who I think engaging in a war with folks who I think uh we've shown uh don't give up.

uh we've shown uh don't give up. uh we've shown uh don't give up. We wanted to know what kind of awards We wanted to know what kind of awards We wanted to know what kind of awards and decorations the president had in and decorations the president had in and decorations the president had in mind for the US special forces who mind for the US special forces who mind for the US special forces who participated in the assault on Bin participated in the assault on Bin participated in the assault on Bin Laden's compound. Laden's compound. Laden's compound. >> They'll pretty much get whatever they >> They'll pretty much get whatever they >> They'll pretty much get whatever they want, but but these guys are so low-key want, but but these guys are so low-key want, but but these guys are so low-key uh so uh so focused on just doing their uh so uh so focused on just doing their uh so uh so focused on just doing their job uh that uh you know uh they they get job uh that uh you know uh they they get job uh that uh you know uh they they get embarrassed I think if if they get too embarrassed I think if if they get too embarrassed I think if if they get too much attention. on behalf of all much attention. on behalf of all much attention. on behalf of all Americans and people around the world. Americans and people around the world. Americans and people around the world. Job well done. Job well done. Job well done. >> Job well done. >> Job well done. >> Job well done. >> On Friday, the president got a chance to >> On Friday, the president got a chance to >> On Friday, the president got a chance to thank them personally during a visit to thank them personally during a visit to thank them personally during a visit to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where the Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where the Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where the helicopter pilots were based. He helicopter pilots were based. He helicopter pilots were based. He reportedly met them behind closed doors reportedly met them behind closed doors reportedly met them behind closed doors along with the Navy Seals who carried along with the Navy Seals who carried along with the Navy Seals who carried out the assault. It's unlikely you will out the assault. It's unlikely you will out the assault. It's unlikely you will ever see the faces or learn the names of ever see the faces or learn the names of ever see the faces or learn the names of those who avenged 9/11 and finally those who avenged 9/11 and finally those who avenged 9/11 and finally disposed of its mastermind. Their disposed of its mastermind. Their disposed of its mastermind. Their identities are classified and likely to identities are classified and likely to identities are classified and likely to remain so.

remain so. remain so. >> Is this the first time that you've ever >> Is this the first time that you've ever >> Is this the first time that you've ever ordered someone killed? ordered someone killed? ordered someone killed? Well, keep in mind that uh you know, Well, keep in mind that uh you know, Well, keep in mind that uh you know, every time I make a decision uh about every time I make a decision uh about every time I make a decision uh about um launching a missile, every time I um launching a missile, every time I um launching a missile, every time I make a decision about sending uh troops make a decision about sending uh troops make a decision about sending uh troops into battle, u you know, the I understand that uh this will result in I understand that uh this will result in people being killed and it Uh that is a people being killed and it Uh that is a people being killed and it Uh that is a uh that is a sobering fact. Uh but it is uh that is a sobering fact. Uh but it is uh that is a sobering fact. Uh but it is uh one that comes with the job. This was uh one that comes with the job. This was uh one that comes with the job. This was one man. This is somebody who's cast a one man. This is somebody who's cast a one man. This is somebody who's cast a shadow who's been shadow who's been shadow who's been cast a shadow in this place cast a shadow in this place cast a shadow in this place >> uh >> uh >> uh >> in the White House for almost a decade. >> in the White House for almost a decade. >> in the White House for almost a decade. Uh, Uh, Uh, as nervous as I was about this whole as nervous as I was about this whole as nervous as I was about this whole process, the one thing I didn't lose process, the one thing I didn't lose process, the one thing I didn't lose sleep over was sleep over was sleep over was the possibility of taking Bin Laden out.

the possibility of taking Bin Laden out. the possibility of taking Bin Laden out. Justice was done. And I think that Justice was done. And I think that Justice was done. And I think that anyone who would question that the anyone who would question that the anyone who would question that the perpetrator of mass murder on American perpetrator of mass murder on American perpetrator of mass murder on American soil uh didn't deserve what he got uh soil uh didn't deserve what he got uh soil uh didn't deserve what he got uh needs to have their head examined.