From: John O'Neill
To: Lou Gunn
Subject: retirement
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 10:03:05 -0400

Dear Mr. Gunn:

By now you may have heard that I am retiring from the FBI after 31 years of what I believe was loyal and dedicated service. Today is my last day.

I want you and those USS Cole family members you are in contact with, [to know] that the FBI has and will continue to work hard on the investigation in Yemen and where ever else the case takes them. There has been an assessment team which was in Yemen in early August and an advance team is about to depart to Yemen within the next week. The FBI will be back in Yemen with full resources by early September if all goes well.

In my 31 years of government service, my proudest moment was when I was selected to lead the investigation of the attack on the USS Cole. I have put my all into the investigation and truly believe that significant progress has been made. Unknown to you and the families is that I have cried with your loss. All Americans share your pain.

I will keep you and all the families in my prayers and will continue to track the investigation as a civilian. Mr. Kenneth Maxwell of the New York office will be heading the investigation and he can be reached at [deleted]. My personal e-mail is [deleted] if you want to stay in touch. I thank you for all your support.

God bless you, your loved ones, the families, and God bless America.

John