Bruce Braley Calls on Hillary Clinton to Release Benghazi Video

Congressman Bruce Braley called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today to release classified footage of a Sept. 11, 2012, attack in Benghazi, Libya, that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

Braley, a Democrat representing Iowa's first district, sent a letter to Secretary Clinton a day after Clinton testified before Congress about the incident.

In a press release, Braley said on December 5, members of Congress were shown a video showing real time footage of the attack. He said he wants the administration to declassify as much of the video as possible so the American people can see for themselves what happened.

“I’m calling on the administration to release this video because the American people deserve transparency and a clearer understanding of what really happened in Libya on that terrible day,” he said. “Without endangering any national security, I believe that this video can be declassified in order to give everyone a true understanding of this attack.”

The full text of Braley’s letter to Secretary Clinton:

January 25, 2013

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton

U.S. Department of State 
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520 

Dear Secretary Clinton,

As Members of Congress seek facts on what happened in Benghazi, it’s important that the American people also be given all information that is available and not necessary to be classified. On December 5, 2012, Members of Congress were shown a video featuring real time footage of the Benghazi attack.  

The day after, I called on the Administration to look closely at that video and declassify as much of it as possible, so that the American people can see for themselves what really happened. 

I urge you to make an assessment of the video and, without endangering any national security goals, release the broadest possible amount of footage to the American people.  It’s important for the American people to know what really happened that day.

Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this matter and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

 Bruce Braley