U.S. Captures ‘Key Participant’ In Deadly 2012 Embassy Attack
The Justice Department announced Friday that Zubayr al-Bakoush, a key suspect in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack, has been captured overseas and brought to the United States to face justice. Al-Bakoush arrived at Andrews Air Force Base at 3:00 a.m., where he was met by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
“Al-Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil,” Bondi stated. “We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law.”
NEW: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a key participant in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack, was arrested and arrived in the U.S. today to face justice. pic.twitter.com/cnC0CbVSB4
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 6, 2026
Al-Bakoush is being charged with terrorism, murder, and arson for his alleged involvement in the September 11, 2012, attack that killed four Americans, including U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens. The attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi became a major political flashpoint, especially surrounding the lack of timely military support and the Obama administration’s response.
Bondi emphasized that this arrest sends a strong message. “If you commit a crime against the American people anywhere in this world, President Trump’s Justice Department will find you. It might not happen overnight, but it will happen.”
She directly criticized former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s infamous quote regarding Benghazi: “‘What difference at this point does it make?’ Well, it makes a difference to Donald Trump. It makes a difference to those families.”
FBI Director Patel revealed that capturing al-Bakoush had been a priority since day one of Trump’s second term. He noted that more suspects remain at large but praised the recent surge in high-value apprehensions. “This administration has already arrested six of the FBI’s most wanted terrorists. That’s two more than the entire Biden administration managed.”
Pirro confirmed that al-Bakoush had been charged in 2015, but the case remained sealed until now. She will lead the prosecution and said she immediately contacted the victims’ families upon the suspect’s capture.
“I spoke with Sean Smith’s mother, Tyrone Woods’ widow Dr. Dorothy Woods, Ambassador Stevens’ family, and Glen Doherty’s relatives,” Pirro said. “These were people who never expected justice would come. Today, they know they haven’t been forgotten.”
I asked Attorney General Pam Bondi what communication looked like with victims families amid today’s major Benghazi suspect arrest.
Bondi said details were kept airtight until arrest was made but they contacted afterward. @realdailywire pic.twitter.com/cnoEB8Yryx
— Cameron Arcand (@cameron_arcand) February 6, 2026
The operation involved the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, Critical Incident Response Group, and Special Flight Operations Unit. Patel credited the success to tight interagency coordination and the Trump administration’s aggressive pursuit of justice.
“To those who wish to harm Americans abroad or at home, this is the fate you will meet,” he said. “You will not be forgotten. We will chase you down.”