Obama condemns ‘outrageous attack’ in Libya that killed a U.S. ambassador

By Dave Boyer

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The Washington Times

 

President Obama said Wednesday he strongly condemns the “outrageous attack” by a mob in Libya that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens.
“Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers,” Mr. Obama said in a statement. “They exemplified America’s commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives.”
Mr. Stevens and three other Americans were killed Tuesday in an attack on the U.S. consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi by protesters angry over a film that ridiculed Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
The president’s statement made no mention of a possible response by the U.S. toward the protesters who fired gunshots and rocket-propelled grenades at the consulate.
“I have directed my administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe,” Mr. Obama said. “While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.”

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He said Mr. Stevens 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,” the president said. “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.”
Mr. Obama added, “The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward.”