WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the deadly attack on the U.S. consulate in eastern Libya should "shock the conscience of people of all faiths around the world."
Clinton says the assault that killed the U.S. ambassador and three American members of his staff was committed by a "small and savage group" of militants, not by the people or government of Libya.
She said Wednesday there was no justification for the attack, and decried violent extremism.
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President Obama released a statement condemning the attacks.
I strongly condemn the outrageous attack on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, which took the lives of four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. Right now, the American people have the families of those we lost in our thoughts and prayers. They exemplified America's commitment to freedom, justice, and partnership with nations and people around the globe, and stand in stark contrast to those who callously took their lives.
I have directed my Administration to provide all necessary resources to support the security of our personnel in Libya, and to increase security at our diplomatic posts around the globe. While the United States rejects efforts to denigrate the religious beliefs of others, we must all unequivocally oppose the kind of senseless violence that took the lives of these public servants.
On a personal note, Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States. Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi. As Ambassador in Tripoli, he has supported Libya's transition to democracy. His legacy will endure wherever human beings reach for liberty and justice. I am profoundly grateful for his service to my Administration, and deeply saddened by this loss.
The brave Americans we lost represent the extraordinary service and sacrifices that our civilians make every day around the globe. As we stand united with their families, let us now redouble our own efforts to carry their work forward.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney says it's never too early for America to condemn attacks on its sovereignty and says the White House gave "mixed signals" in its response to the breach of the American embassy in Egypt.
Romney on Wednesday condemned attacks against the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four U.S. diplomats, including the U.S. ambassador.
Still, Romney stood by his sharp statement Tuesday night criticizing the Obama administration. On Wednesday, he said that statement from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo was "akin to apology" and a "severe miscalculation."
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