Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Ground Zero: Brian Williams) The death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a raid by US Special Forces in Pakistan introduced; photo shown of President Obama.

(Pentagon: Jim Miklaszewski) The Navy SEALs operation that took out Al bin Laden reviewed; scenes shown of his compound and the blood inside; animation shown of the raid. [OBAMA – says the US conducted an operation that killed bin Laden.] [NBC military analyst retired Gen. Barry McCAFFREY†- comments on the decision to kill rather than capture.] [Counterterrorism expert David KILCULLEN†- says this is a clean hit.]

(Ground Zero: Brian Williams) Report introduced.

(Ground Zero: Savannah Guthrie) The long night at the White House as the operation unfolded reviewed; photos shown from the situation room; scenes shown of the celebration outside the White House; details given about how bin Laden was found by tracking his courier. [Today, OBAMA – says this is a good day for America.] [Counterterrorism advisor John BRENNAN†- comments on the anxiety.] [Last night, OBAMA – says justice has been done.] [Senator Mitch McCONNELL†- says the last thing bin Laden saw was a small team of Americans who shot him.] [At last night’s White House correspondents dinner, comedian Seth MEYERS†- jokes about bin Laden.] The transmission of the code word Geronimo noted.

(Ground Zero: Brian Williams) Report introduced.

(New York: Lester Holt) The reaction across America in response to bin Laden’s death featured; scenes shown of celebrations at the White House, Times Square, a college campus, a Phillies baseball game, Boston and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. [Several PEOPLE, victim’s father Alexander OGONOWSKI†, US Marine, victim’s relative Evelyn ZELMANOWITZ†, flight ATTENDANTS - react.]

(Ground Zero: Brian Williams) Live interview held with NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly about the warning that bin Laden’s death could inspire attacks from home-grown extremists. [KELLY – comments on the increased police presence; says the infrastructure is protected as best we can; notes there are no immediate threats.]