U.S. authorities have extradited Zubayr Al‑Bakoush to face an eight‑count indictment tied to the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi. He is charged with murder, terrorism and arson in connection with the deaths of four Americans. Court filings allege he entered the compound around 10:01 p.m., conducted surveillance and tried to access staff vehicles during a roughly 13‑hour assault. Officials said the case was first charged by a sealed complaint in 2015 and emphasized continued efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Benghazi Suspect Zubayr Al‑Bakoush Extradited To U.S.; Faces Murder, Terrorism And Arson Charges
Benghazi terror suspect extradited to face US charges
The U.S. has taken custody of Zubayr Al‑Bakoush, accused by prosecutors of helping lead the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. Federal officials say Al‑Bakoush has been extradited to the United States to face an eight‑count indictment that includes murder, terrorism and arson charges.
Officials Announce Arrest
Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the arrest at a Friday press conference. Bondi said the defendant will be prosecuted in U.S. courts.
Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a suspect in the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, landed in Virginia early Friday to face federal charges of murder, terror and arson.(Fox News)
"Zubayr Al‑Bakoush will now face American justice on American soil. We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law," Bondi said. "If you commit a crime against the American people anywhere in this world, the Justice Department will find you. You can run, but you cannot hide."
Allegations From Court Filings
Court documents describe actions prosecutors attribute to Al‑Bakoush on the night of the attack. According to the filings, he drove to the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi on the evening of Sept. 11, 2012, entered the compound at approximately 10:01 p.m., conducted surveillance around the facility and attempted to enter vehicles belonging to mission staff. The filings allege Al‑Bakoush and co‑conspirators were armed with "assault rifles, other firearms and explosive devices."
The assault on the mission unfolded over roughly 13 hours and resulted in the deaths of four Americans: U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, State Department employee Sean Smith and CIA contractors Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. Pirro said the indictment also alleges the attempted murder of State Department Special Agent Scott Wickland.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi (C), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel (L) and U.S. Attorney for Washington, DC Jeanine Pirro make a press announcement at the Department of Justice on February 6, 2026 in Washington, DC. Bondi announced the FBI has captured and extradited Zubayr al-Bakoush, a suspect in the 2012 attack on the US Embassy in Benghazi, Libya.
Background And Investigation
Pirro noted Al‑Bakoush was first charged by a criminal complaint in 2015; that complaint remained sealed until it was unsealed recently, and an eight‑count indictment has now been made public. Officials said the arrest was made overseas and declined to disclose the exact location.
Director Patel thanked intelligence and law enforcement partners for their roles in locating and apprehending the suspect. He praised interagency collaboration that, officials say, enabled U.S. authorities to pursue and bring to justice individuals accused of killing American citizens abroad.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and FBI Director Kash Patel were on hand as Zubayr Al-Bakoush, a suspect in the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, landed in Virginia early Friday to face federal charges of murder, terror and arson.
"I'm extremely thankful to the CIA and Director John Ratcliffe and our other law enforcement partners for making sure the world knows we will pursue those who kill Americans," Patel said.
Prosecution And Next Steps
Pirro will lead the prosecution. Federal authorities say they will pursue the case vigorously to hold accountable those responsible for the Benghazi attack. Attorneys for Al‑Bakoush have not publicly responded as of this report.
This remains a developing story. Further details about the extradition, evidence, and the defendant's initial court appearance will be reported as they become available.
Help us improve.
