Key Participant in Benghazi Assault Brought to US Custody
Federal authorities arrested Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a key suspect in the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday. Al-Bakoush was brought to Andrews Air Force Base at 3 a.m. after being extradited to the United States.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that the FBI has arrested one of the key participants behind the Benghazi attack,” Bondi said at a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro. “We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law.”
Charges Filed Against Suspect
Al-Bakoush faces an eight-count indictment charging him with the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens, the murder of State Department employee Sean Smith, and attempted murder of State Department Special Agent Scott Wicklund. He is also charged with conspiracy to provide materials for terrorists and support that resulted in the deaths of four Americans, as well as arson at the special mission.
The indictment, which was unsealed Friday, replaces a complaint first filed against Al-Bakoush in 2015 that had been sealed for 11 years.
September 11, 2012 Attack
On September 11, 2012, a group of men stormed the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, resulting in the deaths of four Americans. The assault became a significant moment in U.S. diplomatic security and remains one of the most scrutinized terrorist incidents in recent history.
“Bakoush will face American justice on American soil,” Bondi said, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to prosecuting those responsible for the Benghazi attack.
