Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Brian Williams) The death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US Navy SEALs in Pakistan, introduced. NOTE: Local weather bulletin on screen.

(White House: Chuck Todd) The debate over releasing a photo of bin Laden’s body examined; details given about the proof of death evidence and about changes in the story of the raid on bin Laden’s compound. [White House press secretary Jay CARNEY†- says there are sensitivities in terms of the appropriateness; says bin Laden was not armed.] [Senators Dianne FEINSTEIN†, Harry REID†, Representative Peter KING†- offer opinions on releasing the photos.] [Yesterday, counterterrorism advisor John BRENNAN†- says bin Laden was killed in a firefight; states his wife served as a shield.]

(Studio: Brian Williams) Earlier interview held with CIA director Leon Panetta about bin Laden’s death. [From CIA headquarters, PANETTA – says we have to reveal to the world that we were able to get him and kill him; states Al Qaeda remains a threat; says the Pakistanis did not know anything about this mission; notes the concerns about our forces being fired on; comments on the decision to kill rather than capture; says we had a multiple series of sources of intelligence; says enhanced interrogation techniques were used on detainees.]

(Abbottabad, Pakistan: Tazeen Ahmad) The town and compound where bin Laden lived for about 5 years featured; scenes shown from the tourist town of Abbottabad, where active and retired army generals live and a military academy is located. [Pakistani MAN – says Abbottabad is very peaceful.] [2 MEN – react to bin Laden living in the restricted area.]

(Studio: Brian Williams) Report introduced.

(Washington: Andrea Mitchell) Questions about the surprising circumstances of bin Laden’s location and the status of US relations with Pakistan after the unauthorized raid examined.