On Fox News' Special Report anchor Bret Baier and his panel repeatedly claimed President Obama “has not released a statement” condemning the violence against protesters in Libya. Baier opened the segment by stating:
BAIER: Now believed hundreds dead, shot in the street in Tripoli, some by helicopter gunships. And we have not had a presidential statement on this issue yet. The president hasn't spoken out, has not released a statement. We did get a statement earlier about the earthquake in New Zealand, obviously also a tragedy, but what about the Obama administration's response and the exploding situation in Libya?
Baier later said that Obama has provided “not even a line. Not even a paper release, one line.”
Charles Krauthammer also claimed Obama “has said nothing on what is happening in Libya” and added: “Why can't the president find a voice, A. for reasons of morality, simply upholding our traditions? And secondly, our strategic interests. Here are the most anti-American regimes and he says nothing.”
In fact, Obama issued a statement on February 18th stating:
I am deeply concerned by reports of violence in Bahrain, Libya and Yemen. The United States condemns the use of violence by governments against peaceful protesters in those countries and wherever else it may occur. We express our condolences to the family and friends of those who have been killed during the demonstrations. Wherever they are, people have certain universal rights including the right to peaceful assembly. The United States urges the governments of Bahrain, Libya and Yemen to show restraint in responding to peaceful protests, and to respect the rights of their people.
From the February 22 edition of Fox News' Special Report with Bret Baier: