War of words follows killing of U.S. ambassador in Libya
Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three others were killed in an attack on the U.S. embassy in Libya on Tuesday. It sparked a series of condemnations, statements, and apologies from U.S. officials.
It was the first U.S. ambassador killed in the line of duty since 1979.
“The U.S. condemns, in the strongest possible terms, these outrageous and shocking attacks,” President Obama said on Wednesday morning from the White House.
Standing alongside Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the president honored the victims of the attack and praised their heroism. He also furthered a theme Clinton addressed earlier Wednesday morning that despite the attacks, the U.S. stands by its efforts in Libya.
“The friendship between our countries born out of shared struggle will not be another casualty of this attack,” Clinton said.
Libyans helped defend the U.S. mission in Benghazi and even carried Stevens’ body to the hospital, according to remarks by President Obama and Secretary Clinton.
Clinton also condemned the “senseless act of violence,” later adding: “And now because of this tragedy, we have new heroes to honor and more friends to mourn.”
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