Pilot of drone covering Benghazi attack questioned by panel despite objections from Dems

Washington Examiner:
Rep. Trey Gowdy, chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, announced Thursday his panel had questioned a pair of drone operators who had been working in the region near Benghazi on the night of the 2012 terror attack.

The South Carolina Republican blasted committee Democrats for their suggestion last month that questioning the drone operators was unnecessary because congressional investigators had already interviewed high-ranking military officers.

"Thorough, fact-centered investigations corroborate information with individuals who actually have specific knowledge and expertise. That means talking to enlisted service members with firsthand information is just as important as talking to the generals and admirals who command them," Gowdy said after the closed-door interviews. "I appreciate the important work of these airmen, their service to our country, and their willingness to talk to our committee."

One of the drone operators questioned Thursday had been nicknamed "John from Iowa" after he dialed in to a radio station in 2013 and recounted his experience as a drone sensor operator with access to drone cameras in the early hours of the Benghazi attack.
...
The story does not indicate what information he provided the panel.  Gowdy wanted firsthand testimony and not hearsay from the command.

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