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"Innocence of Muslims" Video
An anti-Islamic video aimed at offending Muslims is uploaded to Youtube. While a poor-quality and amateurish film at best, it sets off a series of violent protests all around the world, with riots taking place outside U.S. embassies in several Muslim countries. -
Initial Attack on US facilities
U.S. mission in Benghazi, Libya, is attacked and burned. A U.S. diplomatic annex is assaulted later that night, mortar and rocket fire involved. Two U.S. nationals are killed. Attack is thought to have been influenced by anti-Islamic video. -
Romney Attacks Obama
Mitt Romney speaks out on the attack and calls out Obama for mismanagement on the issue. In an attempt to score political points against his rival, he shifts public attention towards himself instead, allowing Obama to slip away from the political spotlight. -
Deployment of Armed Forces and Evacuation
Anti-terrorist marine teams are deployed in Benghazi. An attack is launched on a second US facility in Benghazi. Two former US Navy SEALs serving as security contractors, are left dead. 30 Americans, along with the four dead, are evacuated to the Libyan capitol, Tripoli, where they are evacuated out of the country by air. -
President Obama Speaks on Issue
President Obama condemns the attack and gives a political, patriotic statement. -
Anti-Militia Demonstrations
Around 30,000 Libyans march through Benghazi, showing support for the Americans who died and calling for the end to armed militias in the country. The protesters storm several militia headquarters, forcing the militia out and seizing them, although 10 are killed and several more are injured due to resistance. Weapons and militia facilities are confiscated and handed over to the Libyan National Army. -
Campaign to End Militias
With the growing momentum and anger against militias, the Libyan president declares that all militias must either disband or come under government control within 48 hours. It is also mandated that bearing weapons in public and armed checkpoints were also illegal. -
Government Raid on Militia Base
Kickstarting the demilitarization campaign, government forces commence a raid on a former military base being held by an armed militia group. During the campaign, militia groups begin surrendering to the government all across the country. The "National Mobile Force" was created by the government to evict unauthorized militias. -
Benghazi Labelled as Terrorist Attack
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence announces that despite previous reports that the attack was spontaneous and influenced by protests, they now believe it was a premeditated terrorist attack. -
Mass Militia Surrender
In the city centres of Tripoli and Benghazi, hundreds of former rebel militants surrender their arms to the government. -
Investigations Begin
Investigations begin when an FBI team arrives at the mission. A total of 10 investigations were conducted: one by the FBI, one by a State Department-commissioned independent board, two by Democrat-controlled Senate Committees, and six by Republican-controlled Senate Committees. -
Secretary Clinton Claims Responsibility
Secretary Clinton states "I take responsibility. I'm in charge of the State Department's 60,000-plus people all over the world, 275 posts." -
Capture of Ahmed Abu Khatallah
US forces in cooperation with the FBI capture militia leader Ahmed Abu Khatallah, a key suspect. He is transported to the United States to appear before judge. -
Secretary Clinton Testefies
Clinton testifies before House Select Committee for 11 hours. -
House Republicans Report
House Republicans release an 800+ page report after two years of investigation. The report blames the Obama administration for not providing adequate resources and ensuring security, which lead to the deaths of four Americans. -
Ahmed Abu Khatallah Found Guilty
Ahmed Abu Khatallah is found guilty by a federal jury on four of 18 charges. The verdict is as follows: conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists; providing material support and resources to terrorists; using, carrying and discharging a semi-automatic assault rifle during a crime of violence; maliciously destroying and injuring dwellings and property, and placing lives in jeopardy within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. -
Khatallah is Sentenced
Ahmed Abu Khatallah is sentenced to 22 years in prison
