There have been lots of conflicting reports from different news organizations about what exactly happened in Benghazi on the night of 9/11 and the morning of 9/12. This Reuters piece is the best summary we’ve seen so far. Here are the main points:
1. The original mob at the consulate did not seem organized:
“A crowd gathered at dusk, about 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), chanting slogans against the film and angry at Washington’s failure to act against its promoters. At some point, shooting began, with some in the crowd thinking they were under fire from the consulate.”
2. The local militia let the crowd overrun the compound:
“There were definitely people from the security forces who let the attack happen because they were themselves offended by the film; they would absolutely put their loyalty to the Prophet over the consulate. The deaths and injuries and attacks are all nothing compared to insulting the Prophet.”
