U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made a  statement Sept. 12, regarding the tragic deaths of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three other Americans in an attack by extremists at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Ambassador Stevens and three others outside the American Consulate in Benghazi in a rocket attack ignited by protesters angry over a film they say insults Prophet Mohammad.

“I am shocked and appalled by the senseless act of violence that took the lives of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans at our consulate in Libya and extend my deepest condolences to their families. Nothing can justify this unprovoked attack by extremists on innocent Americans working tirelessly to help the Libyan people transition to democracy,” Corker said.

“Having had the pleasure of meeting Chris during his confirmation process earlier this year, I can say he was an impressive individual, full of optimism, courage and commitment and a role model for those who served under him. I hope that we can embrace his vision for our relationship with Libya and continue to move forward with helping to secure democracy in a critical region for U.S. and global security,” Sen. Corker concluded.

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) also released a statement on the killing of U.S. Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens along with three American diplomats

“The killing of Ambassador Stevens and three other American officials is a tragedy. It is a grim reminder that our Foreign Service officers put their lives on the line every day. Our government should make certain that these killers are brought to justice.”

The embassy staffers who also include foreign service information management officer Sean Smith were trying to leave the consulate building when stormed by al Qaeda-linked gunmen and rockets were fired. A Libyan doctor who treated Stevens told the Associated Press the diplomat died of severe asphyxiation from smoke inhalation and that he tried for 90 minutes to revive him. Stevens, 52, was the first U.S. ambassador killed in the line of duty since 1979, when Adolph Dubs, U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, was gunned down in a kidnapping attempt.

 By Dan Davis