CN Live | Benghazi Hero Kris "Tanto" Paronto: "13 Hours Should Have been Called 30 Minutes"

Published on April 20, 2017
Duration: 7:44

Kris 'Tanto' Paronto, a Benghazi hero, discusses the critical time difference between a 13-hour response and a potential 30-minute intervention. He emphasizes the readiness of his team, capable of deploying within five minutes, and contrasts this with the perceived political delays and lack of tactical understanding from some government officials. Paronto highlights the importance of experienced military personnel in high-stress situations and criticizes the bureaucratic mindset that hindered effective action.

Quick Summary

Benghazi hero Kris 'Tanto' Paronto asserts that his team was ready to deploy within five minutes and could have resolved the attack in approximately 30 minutes if authorized. He criticizes political delays and a bureaucratic mindset in Washington D.C. that he believes hindered effective, timely intervention, contrasting it with the self-sacrificing patriotism of operators on the ground.

Chapters

  1. 00:00The 30-Minute vs. 13-Hour Scenario
  2. 00:14Testimony to Congressional Committees
  3. 00:30Team Readiness and Coordination
  4. 00:50Tactical Objectives: Support by Fire
  5. 01:07Role of State Department Personnel
  6. 01:20Experience vs. Training
  7. 01:47Consequences of Speaking Truth
  8. 01:55CIA Leadership Criticism
  9. 02:14Political Mindset vs. Sacrifice
  10. 03:02Critique of DC Politics
  11. 03:20Lack of Evidence in Reports
  12. 03:56Ground Truth vs. Social Media
  13. 04:23Instincts, Training, and DC's Rigidity
  14. 04:47Hypothetical Narrative if All Died
  15. 05:35Official Reports and 'Reasonable Doubt'
  16. 06:26Honesty and Support from Trey Gowdy
  17. 06:53Unfulfilled Apology Request
  18. 07:08Tanto's Tenacity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kris 'Tanto' Paronto's main point about the Benghazi attack response time?

Kris 'Tanto' Paronto argues that the Benghazi attack could have been resolved in approximately 30 minutes if his highly trained team had been authorized to intervene immediately, rather than the 13 hours it actually took. He emphasizes their readiness and criticizes the political delays.

How does Kris Paronto describe the readiness of his team during the Benghazi attack?

Paronto states his team was 'ready in five minutes,' likening their coordination to an 'orchestra' or 'symphony.' He highlights that all members were experienced, many in leadership roles, and executed their duties flawlessly when given the chance.

What tactical role would Paronto's team have played if they had intervened immediately?

Their primary tactical role would have been to establish a 'support by fire' position, drawing the enemy's attention away from the State Department personnel. This would have created an opportunity for the evacuation of the Ambassador and other personnel.

What criticism does Kris Paronto have regarding the official response and reporting of the Benghazi attack?

Paronto criticizes the official reports for lacking evidence and acting as a 'scapegoat.' He believes decisions were influenced by political considerations and social media narratives rather than ground truth, and that a rigid, inflexible mindset in Washington hindered effective action.

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