American Teacher Shot and Killed in Benghazi

An American citizen was shot dead on Thursday in Benghazi, Libya, according to U.S. Embassy officials in Tripoli. 

The victim was 33-year-old Texan Ronnie Smith, a teacher who taught chemistry. He was shot while jogging in the same city where the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed in September 2012, The Washington Post reports. 

"He was a much loved teacher who supported students in their learning and always had time to help when asked," the school said in a posting on its Facebook page. "Ronnie was a professional who gave his time freely and without question. We do not understand why this has happened and it is extremely difficult for his students and his colleagues to accept."

On Smith's Twitter account, he described himself as "Libya's best friend." Smith was married with a 2-year-old son, said Adel al-Mansuri, an official at the International School, according to the Agence France Presse. Al-Mansuri said another American who teaches at the school has been taken to a secure location until he can leave the country.

U.S. Embassy officials in Tripoli said: "We are in contact with the family and are providing all appropriate consular assistance. The Libyan authorities have been helpful and cooperative in dealing with this tragedy."

The U.S. has called on the Libyan government to "thoroughly investigate" Smith's death. White House spokesman Jay Carney said President Barack Obama had been briefed about the situation, CBS News confirms. 

Benghazi gained international notoriety when U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other American citizens were killed in an attack. The attack sparked a congressional investigation and intense controversy. It also prompted political fighting between the Obama administration and Republican lawmakers, who accused the administration of negligence. 

U.S. officials consolidated all Libyan diplomatic relations into the embassy compound in Tripoli and issued warnings for Americans to avoid Benghazi. U.S. diplomats no longer travel to Benghazi. Smith was one of only a few foreigners who was living and working in the city. 

Embassy officials estimate that about 5,000 American citizens live in Libya, although many hold dual U.S.-Libyan citizenship.

Foreigners have mostly avoided Libya since the 2011 revolution that ousted dictator Moammar Gaddafi. 

The elected government that followed Gaddafi's ouster has not been able to maintain security in the country, and the military remains weak. Security is mostly left to well-armed militias. However, the militiamen are seen as independent forces, and many have been accused of violence and other criminal activity. 

U.S. officials have identified Ansar al-Sharia as one of the extremist groups that participated it the attack that killed Stevens, but no group has claimed responsibility for Smith's death.