Suspect in 2012 Benghazi Attack Arrested, Brought to U.S.
WASHINGTON – A key suspect in the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. Diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, has been arrested and brought to the United States to face charges, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday, .
Zubayr al-Bakoush, described as a “key participant” in the attack, landed at Andrews Air Force Base at 3 a.m. On Friday, according to Bondi. He is expected to be charged with terrorism, arson, and murder, among other offenses.
“Zubayr Al-Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil,” Bondi said at a news conference held at the Department of Justice headquarters. “We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law. 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. It might not happen overnight, but it will happen. You can run, but you cannot hide.”
The announcement was made alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Patel declined to provide specific details regarding al-Bakoush’s capture, stating only that he was apprehended “overseas.”
The , attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans: U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens, State Department employee Sean Smith, and two CIA contractors, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. The assault targeted both the U.S. Diplomatic compound and a nearby CIA outpost.
Pirro emphasized that the arrest of al-Bakoush is not the end of the pursuit of justice for the victims. “Let me be very clear — there are more of them out there,” she said. “Time will not stop us from going after these predators, no matter how long it takes, in order to fulfill our obligation to those families who suffered horrific pain at the hands of these violent terrorists.” Pirro also stated that she had informed the surviving family members of the victims prior to the announcement of al-Bakoush’s capture.
According to Pirro, al-Bakoush was initially charged in , but the charges were sealed for eleven years. An eight-count indictment has now been unsealed, charging him with the murder of Ambassador Stevens and Sean Smith, the attempted murder of State Department Special Agent Scott Wicklund, conspiracy to provide materials for terrorists, and arson at the special mission.
The State Department and CIA collaborated with the FBI to facilitate al-Bakoush’s arrest, Bondi noted. The investigation and subsequent capture demonstrate a commitment to holding those responsible for the Benghazi attack accountable, officials said.
The arrest comes after years of scrutiny surrounding the events in Benghazi, which became a focal point of political debate. Bondi referenced past comments made by Hillary Clinton regarding the attack, stating that, unlike Clinton’s question of “What difference at this point does it make?”, President Trump’s administration believes it makes a significant difference to pursue justice for the victims and their families.
