(U) MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR: JUSTICE FOR "OUR AMERICAN SONS"

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06865809
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 30, 2024
• Document Release Date: October 16, 2023
• Case Number: F-2018-00585
• Publication Date: September 27, 2017

Message from the Director: Justice for "Our American Sons"
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
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(U) Message from the Director: Justice for
"Our American Sons"
UNCLASSIFIED
Team,
Today, a small measure of justice was meted out. A federal jury convicted Ahmed Abu Khatallah for the terror he
inflicted upon the patriotic men and women�from the State Department and CIA�in Benghazi, Libya on the night of
September 11, 2012. It took intelligence to find him, soldiers to assist in capturing him, law enforcement to interview
him, and a legal team to put him away.
Khatallah's sentencing is to follow; but no term in prison will bring our people back. We lost two of our own that night
�Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods�who ran to the sound of the guns and bravely fought to protect Americans and the
two U.S. facilities that were attacked. Also murdered were Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and Sean Smith�
remarkable diplomats who volunteered to serve our nation in a dangerous place. Other brave officers were gravely
injured, including CIA's Mark Geist. Sadly, this is the first conviction of the dozens and dozens of terrorists who
brought violence against us. Our good work here at CIA will support efforts to bring even more of them to justice.
I had the privilege to meet with two of our officers who testified in the Khatallah trial about their courageous fight in
countering these attacks. Reliving the tragedy was tough, but it was important. Their gallantry that night saved many
lives about that there is no controversy. CIA's work that night was in the finest tradition of our agency.
I also want to offer my thanks to our officers who worked on the Khatallah prosecution for many months. Lawyers,
analysts, and operators alike�you should be very proud of the fact that the man who killed our colleagues has now
been held to account. It was hard work, but very worthy. The professionalism of our team was on full display before the
court and the world during the entire trial. Our Department of Justice colleagues worked relentlessly to put Khatallah
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
Message from the Director: Justice for "Our American Sons"
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
away, and I will personally thank them for having our back. In closing argument, the Assistant U.S. Attorney said that
the attack was perpetrated on "our Mission" and "our Annex," and she implored the jury to provide justice for "our
American sons" who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Well done.
Mike Pompeo
UNCLASSIFIED
FILED UNDER: 2017, NOVEMBER - 2017, OPA NOTICES
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
Message from the Director: Justice for Our American Sons"
Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
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Approved for Release: 2023/10/13 C06865809
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