WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made these statements on the death of American citizen Warren Weinstein and Italian Giovanni Lo Porto who were captured and held hostage by al-Qaeda. Graham also commented on the death of Adam Gadahn and Ahmed Farouq, American citizens who joined al-Qaeda.

On the Deaths of American Warren Weinstein and Italian Giovanni Lo Porto:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Mr. Weinstein and Mr. Lo Porto. While I do not yet know all the details, I do believe al-Qaeda should and will bear ultimate responsibility for the death of these two innocent men.”

On the Deaths of Adam Gadahn and Ahmed Farouq, American Citizens Who Joined Al-Qaeda:

“Gadahn and Farouq, two American citizens who joined al-Qaeda, got what they deserved.

“Gadahn served as a chief spokesman for al-Qaeda while Farouq was a top-level operative in the organization.

“Based upon their direct and material support for al-Qaeda and affiliated terrorist groups, both men were subject to being killed or captured under the Law of War. Any American citizen who joins al-Qaeda or affiliated terrorist groups are subject to being killed under the Law of War. A decision to join groups like al-Qaeda or affiliated terrorist organizations is made at one’s own peril.”

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