Graham Calls for Congressional Investigation Into Consulate Attack

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) today called for a congressional investigation into last week’s deadly attack on a U.S. consulate in Libya.

“The Obama Administration’s insistence that the attack on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya resulted from a riot inspired by a film, rather than a planned and coordinated attack, defies common sense,” Graham said. “It is imperative that Congress conduct an investigation into this matter, as the two scenarios are vastly different in terms of scope and depth. A planned and coordinated assault points loudly to a security lapse, and the problems associated with such a scenario are much deeper than a violent riot over a film.”

Ambassador Chris Stevens was killed in the assault, along with three other State Department staff. Three more were wounded.

“The tragic loss of Ambassador Stevens and three other brave Americans needs to be fully understood so that we will be prepared in the future for similar attacks,” Graham said. “It is my belief, as stated by the Libyan president, that this was a coordinated attack by al-Qaeda or like-minded groups, and it points to severe lapses of security in a region where likely attacks can be anticipated. The bottom line is statements by the Obama Administration must be properly scrutinized, and that is the proper role of Congress.”

The senator said he supports legislation introduced by Sens. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) that would require investigations into the attacks on U.S. missions.