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Representative Gosar Seeks Answers to Lapses in Security in Libya

Washington, DC, October 10, 2012
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ) questioned federal government officials, affiliated with the U.S. mission in Libya, regarding why multiple requests for additional resources and protections for U.S. personnel and facilities in Benghazi were denied.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                    October 10, 2012

CONTACT:                                                                                              Apryl Marie Fogel


Representative Gosar Seeks Answers to Lapses in Security in Libya

                                              
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar (R-AZ) questioned federal government officials, affiliated with the U.S. mission in Libya, regarding why multiple requests for additional resources and protections for U.S. personnel and facilities in Benghazi were denied.  The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee convened a special hearing in DC, during the House district work period, to hear from Administration officials. 

“Today’s hearing was not only about piecing together what went wrong in Libya, but ensuring that such an attack on American embassies does not happen again,” said Congressman Gosar.

“A pattern of threats targeting the U.S. mission in Libya prior to the September 11th attack was recognized by the State Department, and yet the requests for increased security were ignored. When the elephant in the room is armed and dangerous—it cannot be overlooked. I send my condolences to the families of those lost in this atrocious attack, and I remain committed to ensuring the safety of all of our Foreign Service members and facilities abroad.”

This hearing entitled “The Security Failures of Benghazi,” investigated the request for further security against numerous threats and breeches of security, prior to the September 11th attack that killed four Americans, and discussed how the government can better prepare and protect the thousands of U.S. personnel stationed at over 275 diplomatic posts in 170 countries around the world.

Congressman Gosar and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will continue to examine missteps made in Libya and work to ensure that processes are put in place to guarantee U.S. citizens abroad are properly protected.  For testimonies from today’s witnesses please click here, or for additional information click here.