Remembering Ambassador Chris Stevens

Sec. Clinton

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the death of four American personnel in Benghazi, Libya yesterday. Among them were United States Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens.... A 21 year veteran of the Foreign Service, Ambassador Stevens died last night from injuries he sustained in the attack on our office in Benghazi.

I had the privilege of swearing in Chris for his post in Libya only a few months ago. He spoke eloquently about his passion for service, for diplomacy and for the Libyan people. This assignment was only the latest in his more than two decades of dedication to advancing closer ties with the people of the Middle East and North Africa which began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco. As the conflict in Libya unfolded, Chris was one of the first Americans on the ground in Benghazi. He risked his own life to lend the Libyan people a helping hand to build the foundation for a new, free nation. He spent every day since helping to finish the work that he started. Chris was committed to advancing America's values and interests, even when that meant putting himself in danger.

All the Americans we lost in yesterday's attacks made the ultimate sacrifice. We condemn this vicious and violent attack that took their lives, which they had committed to helping the Libyan people reach for a better future.

America's diplomats and development experts stand on the front lines every day for our country. We are honored by the service of each and every one of them.

• Category

  News & Politics

[ineluctablyontarget]

" Chris Stevens was a dumb ass." How can you talk in such superficial and unpleasant terms about an idealist who wanted to improve the lot of the Libyans who wanted freedom and democracy- as he thought? It is just nonsense to suggest he was friends with Al-Qaeda: he was on the side of the popular uprising to promote a better life for the many and the right to overthrow the despotic hegemony of a cruel tyrant. He has paid the ultimate price for his brave endeavour. A brave and decent man.

[R. Chatt]

Chris Stevens represented what is best about America -- it's idealism, openness, generosity, and enthusiasm for life and liberty. It breaks my heart to think of the horrible waste and loss caused by his murder and the patriots who stood by him. There is no one who can replace him, as there is no country in the world to replace the US. RIP, Mr. Stevens.

[hemo pilaze]

R,I,P CHRIS STEVENS im so sad about your death =(

[T3BOWT1M3]

Im sick watching this video. President Obama or Hillary Clinton whoever was responsible for denying action to defend our embassy which resulted in the murder of 3 service men and this man should be ashamed of themselves for lying and making a wrong doing regarding this story. RIP Ambassador Stevens

[llFaisal]

Never forget. RIP from a Muslim.

[MrEyeswideopen7]

He was running guns to terrorist he should have stayed as a teacher.

[illbuyourniknak]

God Bless Chris.

[burlingpark]

i would hope that the new yorker magazine would have the audacious integrity to find and commission an individual with no ax to grind other than leaving no stone unturned to investigate and reveal the facts and circumstances leading up to,during,and after amb. steven's murder. a tall order and urgent request for some famous New Yorker "notebook dumping" with the requisite factchecking of utmost importance. do your utmost best new yorker.A young ambassador murdered on duty deserves the truth.

[Benad361]

RIP to this good man. He assisted the Libyan people in their struggle for national self-determination and democracy. No wonder the extremists didn't like him. His work against the tyrant Gaddafi will never be forgotten! My condolences to his family and friends.

- Ben, 18, UK

[angliase]

It is sad that this open-minded, well travelled and intelligent American is dead and I still don't understand why he was not afforded better security as requested.