Many Republicans Join Democrats in Denouncing Attack in Libya

September 12, 2012, 10:44 am

By JONATHAN WEISMAN

After an initial burst of criticism, most Republicans in Washington - even some of President Obama's fiercest critics - joined Democrats in denouncing the violent attacks on American Embassies in Egypt and Libya while refraining from criticizing the Obama administration's response.

A parade of Senate Republicans came to the chamber floor Wednesday or issued statements projecting unity after a mob killed J. Christopher Stevens, the ambassador to Libya, and three others in Benghazi, Libya, Tuesday night.

“Yesterday we commemorated the anniversary of the attacks of September 11, and today we are reminded that brave Americans serve us every day at the risk of their own lives. We honor the Americ ans we lost in Libya, and we will stand united in our response,” said Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the chamber's Republican leader. “Among the things we can all agree on in Washington is that attacks on the U.S. and its representatives will be met with resolve, and that America's presence and defense of our national interests across the globe will not be deterred by the acts of violent extremists.”

Senator Richard M. Burr, Republican of North Carolina said: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the violent, destructive, and cowardly attacks on United States Embassies and personnel in Libya and Egypt. These actions, which cost the lives of American personnel serving our nation abroad including Ambassador Chris Stevens, were not protests; they were attacks. I call on the governments of Libya and Egypt to live up to their responsibilities as host countries, to condemn these attacks, and do all in their power to bring those responsible to justice.”

Senator Kelly Ayotte, Republican of New Hampshire said, “This violent attack and the events in Cairo serve as a grim reminder that the U.S. and our allies must remain vigilant as we seek to promote the cause of liberty against the forces of violence and extremism.”

As those statements came out, Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, stood by his criticism that a statement from the American Embassy in Cairo condemning the intolerance of an anti-Muslim Internet video was tantamount to “an apology for American values.”