U.S. Ambassador to Libya, 3 Others Killed in Benghazi Attack
According to Reuters, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other embassy staff were killed outside a consular building on Tuesday evening as it was rushed by a mob angered about an online film insulting the Prophet Mohammad.
"The Libyan official said the ambassador, Christopher Stevens, was being driven from the consulate building to a safer location when gunmen opened fire.
'The American ambassador and three staff members were killed when gunmen fired rockets at them,' the official in Benghazi told Reuters."
The amateur film as of Tuesday evening had only about 6,000 views on YouTube, but crowds in Libya — as well as in Egypt — gathered in violent protest of the American-made film. The protests may have been triggered by Florida pastor Terry Jones — the same pastor who drew ire over threats to burn the Koran in 2010 — who promoted the inflammatory movie.
President Barack Obama on Wednesday morning "strongly condemned" the attack, saying:
"Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya’s transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss."
Sojourners extends our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and for all those involved in the attacks. We pray for peace in the region and for comfort to those grieving the tragic loss of four lives.
