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 You are in: Under Secretary for Management > Bureau of Diplomatic Security > News from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security > Bureau of Diplomatic Security: Testimonies, Speeches, and Remarks > 2005 

Loss of Six Blackwater Security Consulting Employees

Joe D. Morton, Acting Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director for the Office of Foreign Missions
Statement to Employees of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Washington, DC
April 22, 2005

Yesterday was another sad day for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Seven weeks ago, we lost two Blackwater Security Consulting employees to a roadside attack outside of Baghdad.

Today, I am deeply saddened to inform you of the deaths yesterday, April 21, of six more Blackwater employees in Iraq.

These men were killed at approximately 10:35 a.m. local time when their helicopter crashed near Baghdad. Eleven people died in the crash.

These Blackwater contractors were supporting the State Department  mission in Iraq, and were critical to our efforts to protect American diplomats there. They served their nation with great pride and distinction, and we will always remember them for their bravery, commitment, and their ultimate sacrifice.

Please join me in mourning the loss of these courageous men and extending our heartfelt condolences to their families.


Released on April 22, 2005

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