U.S. Takes Decisive Action Against Benghazi Attack Suspect

The U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., Jeanine Pirro, emphasized the nation’s unyielding resolve to seek justice for those harmed by terrorism following the arrest of Zubayr Al-Bakoush. Al-Bakoush is suspected of being one of the masterminds behind the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.

“In 2012, the American cavalry we hoped for did not arrive,” Pirro remarked during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” She continued, “However, we’re taking action now. We’ve apprehended him, and there’s more to come.”

During a press conference held at the Department of Justice on February 6, 2026, Pirro provided comments regarding the apprehension linked to the Benghazi assault, which resulted in the loss of four American lives. Justice Department officials disclosed that the FBI had detained Zubayr Al-Bakoush, in connection with the Benghazi attack.

Pirro criticized then-President Barack Obama for failing to impose consequences on Al-Bakoush and others involved in the attack. She argued that the administration’s response, at the time, was inadequate: “The president claimed they had done everything possible. This was not the case. Americans witnessed the tragedy unfold, not due to protests but a targeted attack.”

The attack occurred on September 11, 2012, when a group of armed assailants stormed the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya. The attackers brandished AK-47 rifles, grenades, and other weapons, firing shots, setting fires, and breaking into the buildings.

Recently transferred to Virginia, Al-Bakoush now faces federal charges for murder, terrorism, and arson related to the 2012 consulate attack.

Pirro asserted that the Obama administration had early intelligence indicating a well-coordinated attack, countering the narrative that it was a protest gone awry. She questioned why support efforts, such as deploying F-16s or a rapid response team, were not implemented to assist those in Benghazi.

“Benghazi was a perilous environment for Americans, left unprotected amidst the chaos,” Pirro pointed out. She expressed that misleading information was communicated through media and congressional platforms at the time. “It is only under President Trump’s influence that we are seeing efforts to rectify past inactions and achieve justice.”

Additionally, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Al-Bakoush faced serious charges of murder, terrorism, and arson, all stemming from the deadly 2012 events in Benghazi.