US announces arrest of suspect linked to 2012 Benghazi attack

WASHINGTON

Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Friday that a suspect connected to the 2012 attack on the US embassy in Benghazi, Libya has been arrested and will face prosecution in the US.

"Today, I'm proud to announce that the FBI has arrested one of the key participants behind the Benghazi attack," Bondi said at a news conference joined by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Bondi said Zubayr al-Bakoush will face American justice on American soil.

"We will prosecute this alleged terrorist to the fullest extent of the law. He'll face charges related to murder, terrorism, arson, among others," she said.

Libyan national Ahmed Abu Khatallah masterminded the Sept. 11 attack that killed US Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, including Sean Smith, a foreign service officer.

Patel said the suspect was "picked up overseas."

Asked if there was foreign involvement in the capture of this suspect, Patel said no alone can do it to execute an apprehension, a capture and a foreign transfer of custody.

"We did it throughout the interagency here, and of course, we're working with partners overseas," he added.

Al-Bakoush landed in the state of Virginia Friday morning and is in custody. He will face charges later Friday, according to Patel.