9:30 PM September 11th: the attack begins as dozens of heavily armed terrorists storm the compound from multiple directions. Security personnel monitoring the consulate’s cameras hit the alarm – possibly waking Ambassador John Christopher Stevens who had already retired to his room.
A loud explosion can be heard as the compound is pelted with shrapnel and the gate is breached. Terrorists immediately set fire to a barracks adjacent to the damaged gate they entered through and proceed towards the main building – where the ambassador waits.