Justice Department Takes 2012 Benghazi Attack Participant Into Custody/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A key participant in the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed four Americans has been taken into U.S. custody. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the suspect will face prosecution for the deadly assault. The arrest revives attention on one of the most politically charged attacks in recent U.S. history.
Benghazi Suspect Arrested: Quick Looks
- Key Benghazi attack participant captured and transferred to U.S. custody
- Suspect landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
- Eight-count indictment includes murder charges
- Victims include Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others
- Justice Department vows continued accountability
- Case reopens scrutiny of 2012 Libya attack
- Benghazi remains a deeply divisive political issue
Deep Look: Justice Department Takes 2012 Benghazi Attack Participant Into Custody
WASHINGTON — A key participant in the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans has been taken into U.S. custody and will be prosecuted, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday.
Bondi said during a news conference that Zubayr Al-Bakoush arrived at Joint Base Andrews at approximately 3 a.m. Friday after being transferred to American authorities.
“We have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation,” Bondi said, emphasizing the Justice Department’s long-running efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Al-Bakoush faces an eight-count indictment that includes charges related to the murders of Chris Stevens and Sean Smith, both of whom were killed during the initial assault. It was not immediately clear whether Al-Bakoush has legal representation.
The Benghazi attack occurred on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, when at least 20 militants armed with automatic weapons and grenade launchers breached the U.S. compound and set fire to buildings. Stevens and Smith died from smoke inhalation as the facility burned.
Surviving U.S. personnel fled to a nearby CIA annex, which later came under a coordinated assault that included a precision mortar attack. That second wave of violence killed security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
The attack quickly became one of the most contentious political flashpoints of the Obama era. Republicans sharply criticized then-President Barack Obama and then–Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over security preparations, the military response, and the administration’s evolving explanation of the violence.
A Republican-led congressional investigation ultimately concluded that security at the Benghazi outpost was inadequate and that the government’s response was slow. However, the final report found no evidence of wrongdoing by Clinton.
Clinton dismissed the findings as repetitive and politically motivated, while Democrats criticized the investigation as excessive and partisan.
Al-Bakoush’s arrest follows earlier prosecutions connected to the attack. In 2014, U.S. special operations forces captured Ahmed Abu Khattala, who was accused of masterminding the assault. He was brought to the United States, convicted in federal court, and is currently serving a prison sentence. His attorneys argued at trial that the evidence was inconclusive and that he was targeted because of his extremist beliefs.
Justice Department officials said Friday’s arrest underscores the government’s commitment to pursuing accountability regardless of how long it takes. Bondi said the case sends a message that those responsible for attacks on Americans overseas will be tracked down and prosecuted.
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