(Updates with U.S. attorney confirmation of 3:30 p.m. hearing)
By Doina Chiacu
WASHINGTON, June 28 (Reuters) – The Libyan militia leader suspected in the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi that killed four Americans arrived in Washington on Saturday and will appear at a federal court hearing, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah was transferred into civilian law enforcement custody from a Navy warship where he had been held since his June 15 capture in Libya.
“Ahmed Abu Khatallah arrived in the District of Columbia this morning to face prosecution for his alleged role in the September 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya,” said Bill Miller, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia.
He was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a 3:30 p.m. hearing, Miller said.
A.J. Kramer, the federal public defender in Washington, said legal representation likely would be discussed at the hearing.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in the Sept. 11, 2012, attack in Benghazi. The attack triggered a political firestorm for President Barack Obama with Republicans accusing his administration of misrepresenting the circumstances and of lax protection for diplomats.
Khatallah is charged with killing a person on U.S. property, a firearms violation and providing material support to terrorism.
By Doina Chiacu
WASHINGTON, June 28 (Reuters) – The Libyan militia leader suspected in the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi that killed four Americans arrived in Washington on Saturday and will appear at a federal court hearing, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah was transferred into civilian law enforcement custody from a Navy warship where he had been held since his June 15 capture in Libya.
“Ahmed Abu Khatallah arrived in the District of Columbia this morning to face prosecution for his alleged role in the September 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya,” said Bill Miller, spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia.
He was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court for a 3:30 p.m. hearing, Miller said.
A.J. Kramer, the federal public defender in Washington, said legal representation likely would be discussed at the hearing.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans died in the Sept. 11, 2012, attack in Benghazi. The attack triggered a political firestorm for President Barack Obama with Republicans accusing his administration of misrepresenting the circumstances and of lax protection for diplomats.
Khatallah is charged with killing a person on U.S. property, a firearms violation and providing material support to terrorism.
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