Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of a key suspect connected to the September 11, 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, marking a significant development more than a decade after the deadly assault that killed four Americans.
“On September 11, 2012 Americans watched horrified as our embassy in Benghazi came under a vicious terror attack,” Bondi said.
“We lost four American lives that day, Ambassador, Chris Stevens, Sean Smith with the State Department, and two CIA contractors, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods.”
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Bondi said the Justice Department has never abandoned efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
“We have never forgotten those heroes, and we have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation,” she said.
According to Bondi, the FBI arrested one of the principal participants in the attack early Wednesday morning.
“I’m proud to announce that the FBI has arrested one of the key participants behind the Benghazi attack, Zubar al Bakash landed at Andrews Air Force Base at 3am this morning. He is in our custody,” Bondi said.
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She added that the suspect was met upon arrival by senior law enforcement officials.
“He was greeted by Director Patel and us, Attorney Janine Pirro.”
Bondi contrasted the arrest with past dismissive remarks about the attack.
“Hillary Clinton famously once said about Benghazi, what difference at this point does it make?” she said.
“Well, it makes a difference to Donald Trump. It makes a difference to those families, and 14 years later, it makes a difference to law enforcement who made the difference in this case.”
Bondi thanked President Trump for his support of the investigation and the agencies involved.
“Thank you, President Trump for supporting all of our agencies around the country and around the world,” she said.
She said the suspect will now face prosecution in the United States.
“al Bakash will now face American justice on American soil,” Bondi said.
“We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law, he’ll face charges related to murder, terrorism, arson, among others.”
Bondi said the case sends a clear message to those who target Americans.
“Let this case serve as a reminder, if you commit a crime against the American people, anywhere in this world, President Trump’s Justice Department will find you,” she said.
“It might not happen overnight, but it will happen. You can run, but you cannot hide.”
She concluded by recognizing the work of U.S. and international partners who assisted in the arrest.
“We are immensely grateful to our partners, especially at the State Department and the CIA who lost lives in the Benghazi attack,” Bondi said.
“Director Patel and the FBI agents did tireless work to track and arrest this man.”
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