TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
Local officials have released statements regarding the recent attacks on the American embassy in Egypt and the attack on the U.S. Consulate that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens in Benghazi, Libya on Tuesday.
Illinois Congressman John Shimkus said, "These attacks should be condemned as unjustified and intolerable in true democracies. Attacks on American citizens and our interests abroad demonstrate both the lack of leadership and strength we now show in the Middle East and lack of cooperation from the governments of Egypt and Libya.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of Ambassador Stevens and the three Americans killed in Libya. They represented the freedom of America in a very turbulent region of the world."
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul also released the following statement regarding the attack on the U.S. Consulate that killed four Americans in Benghazi, Libya.
He said, "I am heartbroken and outraged by the murder of four U.S. citizens, including Ambassador Chris Stevens, during the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
"The perpetrators of this senseless attack must be brought to justice. I, therefore, demand that until the Libyan police hand over suspects to U.S. officials, any U.S. foreign aid to the government of Libya be contingent on their full support in this matter."
Indiana Senator Dan Coats, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, issued the following statement regarding the attack.
Coats said, "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Ambassador Stevens and the brave Americans killed in the attack in Libya. The senseless murder of our Ambassador to Libya, along with other Americans serving our diplomatic mission, is a stark reminder that our war against radical Islamic terrorists is ongoing.
"It is no coincidence that this attack as well as the attack on our embassy in Egypt occurred on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11. I am shocked to learn that the Libyan Deputy Interior Minister would place the blame on Americans for this attack. Our country will not tolerate these outrageous attacks on our people and the international diplomatic community.
"Whether serving in uniform on the battlefield or representing our nation in diplomatic service, those killed in the line of duty are American heroes. Our country mourns the loss of these courageous Americans who were dedicated to serving the United States and its mission to defend and protect freedom and democracy."
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has responded to the attacks and directed that flags at Kentucky state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown Sunday, Sept. 16, in honor of the U.S. ambassador and other Americans killed in an attack.
This order follows a proclamation from President Barack Obama ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings to honor those who died.
"These Americans died in courageous service to our country, and we honor them in lowering flags to half-staff," Gov. Beshear said. "Our prayers go out to the families, friends and colleagues of the ambassador and the others who died in this senseless attack."
Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.
Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/Pages/flagstatus.aspx
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