`` This is a historic raid . Then - Vice Adm. William McRaven sent an e - mail dated January 13 , 2011 . Questions were high about the possible destruction of photos of the bin Laden 's family . His orders : ` ` If you still have them destroy them immediately or get them to the [ redacted . ] '' The conservative activist group Judicial Watch obtained the e - mail .
Then - Vice Adm. William McRaven sent an e - mail dated January 13 , 2011 . Questions were high about the possible destruction of photos of the bin Laden 's family . His orders : ` ` If you still have them destroy them immediately or get them to the [ redacted . ] '' The conservative activist group Judicial Watch obtained the e - mail .