In the wake of the deaths of a U.S. ambassador and three other American foreign service workers in Libya, the governor has directed that flags be flown at half-staff and local officials are condemning the attacks.
Ambassador Chris Stevens, 52, was killed when he and a group of embassy workers tried to evacuate staff under attack by a mob angered by an anti-Islam video reportedly made by an American.
An information management officer named Sean Smith, a married father of two young children, was also killed. The names of the other victims have not been released.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of Ambassador Stevens and the American personnel who were killed in this brutal attack,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. “We know that the work to build nations and strengthen our global relationships is difficult and dangerous, and we are cognizant of just how many Americans undertake these efforts in embassies and consulates across the world. We stand with the President and the rest of the country in condemning the perpetrators of this attack.”
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman:
“The attacks in Libya are a terrible reminder of the dangers that American personnel continue to face in some of the more troubled parts of the world,” said Lieutenant Governor Wyman. “Ambassador Stevens and the rest of the embassy staff served our country with honor and dignity. Our hearts go out to everyone who is grieving their loss today.”
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of our Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and two other Americans in the horrific attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families during this difficult time,” U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said in a statement. “I condemn those that committed this deplorable act of violence and support efforts to further ensure our diplomatic personnel in Libya, Egypt and around the world are protected.”
She said the four Americans made the ultimate sacrifice while working to secure a better future for the Libyan people.
“We owe them, as well as all Americans serving tirelessly around the world on behalf of our country, our deepest gratitude,” DeLauro said.
U.S. Rep Jim Himes:
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the attack on our embassy in Libya, which took four innocent lives yesterday. We owe so much to our diplomats, who put their lives on the line every day in far corners of the Earth to represent America’s commitment to democracy, freedom, and cooperation abroad. Ambassador Stevens was instrumental in representing U.S. interests in Libya during tumultuous times, supporting the nation’s transition to democracy and adding a human touch to international relations.
My heart goes out to the families of those we lost yesterday. And though I am outraged that representatives of our peaceful mission would be attacked and killed, I remain committed to seeing a Libya that embraces democracy and freedom for all its people. The best thing we can do to ensure those four diplomats did not die in vain is to continue their mission of promoting and embracing a democratic Libya. Though they are no longer with us, may they live on through a legacy of peace, freedom, and justice in North Africa. I will work hard to make sure that the terrorists are brought to justice and that Libya understands that we expect their full cooperation.”
U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy
U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy released a statement saying he condemns “in the strongest terms” the attack on American diplomats in Benghazi.
“Ambassador Stevens, a former Peace Corps volunteer, was dedicated to helping the Libyan people build a better, more democratic future. Attacks on our diplomats cannot be tolerated and those responsible should immediately be brought to justice,” Murphy.
