Christopher Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, and three other American diplomats died after an islamist mob in Benghazi Libya gathered to demonstrate against a U.S.-made film. At some point, the demonstration turned violent and shots were fired.
Apparently, guards at the embassy fired back and then a heavy onslaught began, with RPGs fired at the embassy. The security of the embassy was breached and it was ransacked and burned.
The target of the demonstration, a film, “Innocence of Muslims,” by California-based writer/director Sam Bacile, apparently denigrates islam and the prophet Muhammad, claiming he was a fraud.
The filmmaker, Sam Bacile, identifies himself as American and Israeli. The film was being promoted by an extreme anti-Muslim Egyptian Christian campaigner in the US.
Some excerpts from the film were overdubbed with Arabic and were posted on YouTube.
The Wall Street Journal says both Secretary Clinton and President Obama commented on the attack and death of Christopher Stevens. They also said the Libyan government is searching for the perpetrators, who they suspect to be pro-Gadhafi elements.
US Ambassador to Libya Is Killed – Wall Street Journal
The U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, and three other American diplomats were killed when suspected Libyan religious extremists stormed the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi late Tuesday, according to Libyan Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagour.
NPR has an audio of their morning edition, in which Renee Montagne and NPR’s Michele Kelemen talk about the attack and deaths.
U.S. Condemns Killing Of Ambassador, Staff In Libya – NPR
U.S. Condemns Killing Of Ambassador, Staff In LibyaNPR Renee Montagne speaks with NPR’s Michele Kelemen about the news that U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three American members of his staff were killed in attacks in Benghazi, Libya. …
The British newspaper, The Daily Mail and The Review both ran stories about the filmmaker.
‘Islam is a cancer – period’: Filmmaker goes into hiding … – Daily Mail
‘Islam is a cancer – period’: What maker of ‘blasphemous’ internet film which accused Mohammed of being a fraud and a paedophile led to the death of US ambassador said in wake of violent protests.
But yesterday the film sparked violent attacks against U.S. diplomatic compounds in Libya and Egypt yesterday, killing five American citizens, including …
Anti-Islam filmmaker in hiding after protests – The Review
An Israeli filmmaker based in California went into hiding after his movie attacking Islam’s prophet Muhammad sparked angry assaults by ultra-conservative Muslims on US missions in Egypt and Libya, where the US ambassador was killed, along with three American members of his staff.
Initially, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton only reported that “one of our State Department officers was killed,” later releasing Christopher Stevens’ name and reporting the deaths of three other U.S. personnel.
Secretary Clinton said:
“I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on our mission in Benghazi today. As we work to secure our personnel and facilities, we have confirmed that one of our State Department officers was killed. We are heartbroken by this terrible loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who have suffered in this attack.
This evening, I called Libyan President Magariaf to coordinate additional support to protect Americans in Libya. President Magariaf expressed his condemnation and condolences and pledged his government’s full cooperation.
Some have sought to justify this vicious behavior as a response to inflammatory material posted on the Internet. The United States deplores any intentional effort to denigrate the religious beliefs of others. Our commitment to religious tolerance goes back to the very beginning of our nation. But let me be clear: There is never any justification for violent acts of this kind.
In light of the events of today, the United States government is working with partner countries around the world to protect our personnel, our missions, and American citizens worldwide.”
Over the following days, it has become apparent there are many problems with the official story in this case. It may take some time to work out what really happened and why. What is not disputed is that four Americans were killed.
