GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - US Ambassador to Libya J Christopher Stevens was killed late Tuesday by rocket fire, along with three others at the US Consulate in Benghazi after a mob stormed the building to protest an American-made film. The US has stepped up its security at embassies and consulates after the attack as well as one on the US Embassy in Cairo, Egypt Tuesday 11 September. US President Barack Obama roundly condemned the mob action, for which the Libyan government has offered an apology.
The outbreaks of violence were in reaction to an online film that ridicules the prophet, Mohammed.
Two of the deaths occurred at the consulate while two others were at a safe house where staff had been taken after the initial violence, with US officials reported by Reuters to say they were “surprised” the groups knew about it. Another 17 people were reportedly injured.
Links to other sites: CNN, Guardian on the film behind the riots, Reuters, Washington Post, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, statement
