A recent, international news story reveals that one of Colorado’s very own attempted to locate and kill Osama bin Laden. Gary Brooks Faulkner, 51, was arrested on Monday, June 14, while visiting Pakistan as a so-called “tourist.” According to his family, it was Faulkner’s sixth visit to the country. Faulkner’s presence in the Middle Eastern country, however, was not just a visit. It was a mission.
Since the American tragedy of 9/11, Faulkner has been dedicated to honoring the victims of the terror attacks by catching the mastermind behind the attacks: Osama bin Laden. Faulkner’s brother claims that this mission was not that of a crazy or irrational person. Faulkner is intelligent and allegedly even had connections in Pakistan actively helping him in his hunt.
He was arrested this Monday when Pakistan police found Faulkner trying to enter Afghanistan with a sword, pistol and other hunting gear. (He was also allegedly carrying Christian texts with him, which supports his brother’s claim that the mission to catch bin Laden is also supported by religion.)
Because it is illegal in Pakistan to carry a weapon without the proper license, Faulkner was arrested and his mission put on hold. Luckily, Faulkner’s family was told of the arrest and able to contact U.S. representatives in time to notify them that he suffered from serious kidney problems and would likely need medical attention.
While some would think that Faulkner’s health might deter him from actively hunting bin Laden, who is still on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List, Faulkner didn’t let his ailment nor the fear of what could happen to him in his dangerous pursuit stop him.
As of now, Faulkner is being held in Pakistan but has not been formally charged with any crime. It will be interesting to see whether he will be allowed to enter Pakistan again in the future and if he will continue with his manhunt.
The U.S. Department of State is still offering an award of up to $25M for mere information regarding bin Laden’s location. That, along with Faulkner’s patriotic and religious devotions, might make the mission difficult for him to forget.
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