The CIA Museum Displays the Gun Found Next to Osama Bin Laden When He Was Killed

Check out photos of it here.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The CIA has a private museum you will probably never get the chance to see. Located at its headquarters in Langley, Va., the museum contains historic artifacts like gadgets and trophies from World War II through the War on Terror. Cameras are rarely allowed to enter the museum, which is located in a series of hallways within the building. Also, don't count on getting tickets or being allowed to enter; only employees and invited guests can view it.

Recently the museum made headlines because of its recent acquisition—the AK-47 rifle that was found lying next to Osama bin Laden in Pakistan when he was killed by Navy SEALs in an overnight raid in 2011. "Because of its proximity to (bin Laden) there on the third floor in the compound, our analyst determined it to be his," said Toni Hiley, the museum's curator. "It's a Russian AK with counterfeit Chinese markings."

Agents wouldn't disclose how it was recovered, according to NBC News. The agency director at the time of the operation, Leon Panetta, simply "asked that it come into the museum collection," said Hiley. She also said the weapon is in working condition, however the Chinese markings are still a mystery.

Just so you know, the weapon isn't the one that was seen in Osama’s many propaganda videos. You can see photos of the weapon above as well as some other shots of the museum, but still wish we could visit the museum in person.

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[via NBC News]

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