President Obama and Secretary Of State Clinton in the Rose Garden at The White House, addressing the Libya Killings on 9/12/12 (Getty)
Washington, DC (written by David Jackson/USA Today) -- President Obama today condemned "in the strongest terms" the attack in Libya that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans, and said he has ordered beefed up security at embassies around the world.
"There is absolutely no justification for this kind of senseless violence," Obama said during brief remarks in the Rose Garden. "None."
While praising the memory of slain ambassador Christopher Stevens, Obama said, "make no mistake, we will work with the Libyan government to bring to justice the attackers who killed our people."
From earlier post:
Earlier this morning, Obama issued a statement condemning the "outrageous attack" on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi that led to the deaths of four Americans, including ambassador Christopher Stevens.
"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," Obama said in the statement released by the White House.
Obama praised Stevens as "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," Obama said.
At the State Department, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the attack in Benghazi "should shock the conscience of all faiths in the world." She praised ambassador Hayes, saying he "gave his life trying to help build a better Libya."
Clinton also attributed to the attack to "a small, savage group" of protesters, not "the people of Libya."
Amid reporters that the anti-Muslin online film triggered the attackers, Clinton said "there is no justification for this -- none."
The full statement:
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.