Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement after learning of the attack on a U.S. Diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya that took the lives of Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and two other Americans:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, and two other Americans that lost their lives as a result of this outrageous attack on the U.S. Diplomatic Post in Benghazi, Libya.  There is nothing that justifies such senseless violence. This tragic incident only undermines Libya’s transition to democracy.

These noble and patriotic Americans dedicated their lives to Foreign Service, and were stationed in Libya to help the country successfully transition into a peaceful and stable democracy.  I honor the courage of these four Americans and all of the selfless men and women who are currently serving our country overseas.  These foreign servants put their lives in harm’s way and display extraordinary sacrifice every single day.

I hope that we will stay above the political fray and come together as country to mourn the loss of these dedicated public servants and pay tribute to the legacy that they left behind.   We must continue their work to spread freedom and justice."