Disturbing footage presented in court shows Zubayar al-Bakush, the suspected killer, at the U.S. Embassy compound in Benghazi, Libya, on the day when four Americans lost their lives during an extremist assault.
This video, which has recently surfaced and was used as evidence in a separate trial, captures Bakush wearing camouflage outside the U.S. mission as a group of around 20 armed men forced their way inside on September 11, 2012.
After being extradited to the U.S., he faces charges of murder and terrorism following an indictment unsealed on Friday.
The newly released indictment asserts that Bakush, 58, was part of a group that committed the violent act, breaking through the main gate and entering the compound to conduct surveillance and try to board vehicles belonging to personnel.
The attackers were equipped with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades. Tragically, U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, along with security contractors Tyrone Woods and Glenn Doherty, and IT worker Sean Smith, were killed during the assault.
The Post acquired the video after Bakush arrived at a Virginia airfield early Friday morning following his extradition.
He chose not to make a statement at a hearing later that day.
The evidence illustrates Bakush’s involvement, showcasing footage of him in military gear near a burning vehicle as the attack unfolded.
His attorney, Matthew Pead, mentioned that Bakush’s name was frequently mentioned in the trial, highlighting his significant presence at the scene. Notably, another individual, Mustafa al Imam, was convicted for related charges in 2019.
Pead noted that witnesses in the trial had connections to Bakush, having known him since their teenage years spent in scouting.
However, Bakush’s past paints a different picture. In a related case, authorities described him as a commander, representing a leading figure in the attack.
He’s linked to the jihadist group Ansar al-Sharia, which aims to implement Sharia law in Libya and played a role in the assault.
Interestingly, Pead also represented another client who was described in court as someone attempting to avoid trouble, contrasting with Bakush’s more prominent involvement.
The indictment associates Bakush and another individual, Ahmed al-Fitri, as key leaders in the attack on U.S. diplomatic sites.
Al-Bakush is specifically charged with the murders of Stevens and the three others.
In another case involving Ahmed Salimfaraj Abukatarah, who received a 28-year prison sentence in 2024, Bakush’s connection was underscored as they were said to have a significant relationship; Bakush was reportedly using Abukatarah’s cell phone during his arrest.
Throughout the trial, U.S. Attorney Michael DiLorenzo emphasized Bakush’s actions captured on video during the attack, describing him as participating in critical moments while armed.
Bakush’s arrival at the Virginia airfield marks just the beginning of his legal journey, with further developments awaited.
