❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a key suspect in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack, on charges including murder, terrorism, and arson.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zubayr Al-Bakoush, FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Al-Bakoush landed at Andrews Air Force Base early Friday morning; the charges date back to the 2012 Benghazi attack.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Hillary Clinton famously once said about Benghazi, ‘What difference, at this point, does it make?’ Well, it makes a difference to Donald Trump. It makes a difference to those families. And 14 years later, it makes a difference to law enforcement, who made the difference in this case.” – Pam Bondi.
🎯IMPACT: The arrest brings a key suspect to face American justice and highlights ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a key suspect in the 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. Al-Bakoush arrived at Andrews Air Force Base at approximately 3 AM on February 6 and is now in U.S. custody, facing charges including murder, terrorism, arson, and conspiracy.
Bondi said the arrest followed years of coordinated efforts by U.S. officials. “From day one, Kash and Dan would sit in meetings and say, ‘We’re going to get him,’” Bondi said. “And they did.” She added that the suspect “will face American justice on American soil.”
U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro, who will prosecute the case, said Al-Bakoush was first charged in 2015 under a sealed complaint. “[The eight count indictment] charges Bakoush with the murder of Ambassador Chris Stevens, the murder of State Department employee Sean Smith, the attempted murder of State Department Special Agent Scott Wickland and conspiracy to provide materials for terrorists and support that resulted in the death of four Americans, as well as arson at the special mission,” Pirro said.
The Benghazi attack occurred on September 11, 2012, when Islamist militants overran the U.S. Special Mission and later attacked a nearby CIA annex. Four Americans were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. The incident led to multiple congressional investigations and became a central political controversy, particularly concerning U.S. diplomatic security and the Obama administration’s response.
Bondi referenced former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s remarks during congressional testimony on the attack. “Hillary Clinton famously once said about Benghazi, ‘What difference, at this point, does it make?’ Well, it makes a difference to Donald Trump. It makes a difference to those families. And 14 years later, it makes a difference to law enforcement, who made the difference in this case.”
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained a symbol of unresolved accountability for more than a decade. Federal officials said the prosecution is intended to deliver long-awaited justice for the victims and reaffirm the U.S. government’s commitment to pursuing those responsible for attacks on American personnel abroad.
Third Coconspirator in Fatal Benghazi Attacks in U.S. Custody, Charged in Washington D.C. with Murder and Terrorism Counts https://t.co/WvlG7PNg9j pic.twitter.com/gV8kzT1tFR
— FBI (@FBI) February 6, 2026
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