The last time Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger spoke of Libya, he was heartened by the "new era" of peace the country would soon see after the death of dictator Moammar Gaddafi.

But now an attack on a U.S. Consulate that left an ambassador and three other American diplomats dead could jeopardize that peaceful future.

"I strongly condemn the vicious attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that claimed the lives of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans," Ruppersberger wrote in a statement. "The brave group was committed to promoting freedom and justice around the world.  I am saddened and disturbed by the loss of these true patriots.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives."

(Read the statement in full, below)

The New York Times reported that the Obama administration believes the attack on the consulate was planned, rather than a "spontaneous mob getting out of control," as was originally believed.

"The attack followed a violent protest at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo over a low-budget anti-Muslim film made in the United States, and it initially appeared that the assault on the Benghazi consulate was another spontaneous response," according to The Washington Post.

Sam Bacile, the Israeli filmmaker responsible for the film (which reportedly cost $5 million) has gone into hiding, Fox News says.

The Baltimore Sun published an editorial Wednesday supporting Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's criticism of the Obama administration's statements on the tragedy.

The full statement:

I strongly condemn the vicious attack on the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that claimed the lives of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. The brave group was committed to promoting freedom and justice around the world.  I am saddened and disturbed by the loss of these true patriots.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives.

Through my work as Ranking Member of the House Intelligence Committee, I travel the world meeting with our intelligence professionals and diplomatic corps who are working tirelessly in all corners of the globe to help people have a better life.  I traveled to Libya and saw the brutal rule of the dictator Moammar Gaddafi and was inspired to see change in Libya.  

While our diplomatic corps does not wear the uniform of our armed forces, this tragic incident reminds us of the risks these professionals face as they work to improve the lives of people worldwide.  I am always impressed with their dedication to their mission.  I stand with the other American leaders who say we will not rest until those responsible for this deadly attack are tracked down and brought to justice.