The FBI released the photos of three men Wednesday that FBI agents are seeking in connection to the investigation into the September 11, 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya that resulted in the death of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.
The release posted to the FBI's website did not include names or affiliation to any specific group. It also did not list the three as suspects, but individuals who "may be able to provide information to help in the investigation," the FBI release stated.
FBI agents have worked for seven months on the investigation into the Benghazi attacks. This is the first time the agency has posted photos of any individuals who might be connected to the attacks.
"We are seeking information about three individuals who were on the grounds of the U.S. Special Mission when it was attacked. These individuals may be able to provide information to help in the investigation," the FBI wrote in the release posted to the FBI's website.
The terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate started when a group congregated around it. Officials originally mistook the group as a protest, which quickly turned violent as fires broke out. Security officials lost track of Stevens who was later rushed to a hospital and died of smoke inhalation.
Republicans in Congress have demanded further information into the response to the Benghazi attack as well as more details about the investigation. The FBI's release comes one week before a new round of hearings start on Capitol Hill held by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
President Obama was asked Tuesday during a press conference whether the survivors of the Benghazi were being blocked from testifying. He said he did not know of any efforts to block testimony, but pledged to find out more information about it.
"I'm not familiar with this notion that anybody has been blocked from testifying," Obama said. "So what I'll do is I will find out what exactly you're referring to."
The president said he remained committed to finding those responsible for the attacks and improving the security for U.S. embassies.
"What I've been very clear about from the start is that our job with respect to Benghazi has been to find out exactly what happened, to make sure that U.S. embassies not just in the Middle East but around the world are safe and secure, and to bring those who carried it out to justice," he said.
