WASHINGTON — Four State Department officials resigned under pressure Wednesday, less than a day after a report blamed management failures for a lack of security at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, where militants killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans on Sept. 11.

The resignations came as lawmakers expressed anger and frustration over the findings of an independent review panel and the State Department struggled to find a balance between protecting its diplomats while allowing them to do their jobs.

Obama administration officials said those who had stepped down included Eric Boswell, assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security; Charlene Lamb, deputy assistant secretary responsible for embassy security, and Raymond Maxwell, deputy assistant secretary of state who oversees the Maghreb nations of Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss personnel matters publicly.






Co-chairman Thomas Pickering, a retired ambassador, said the personnel on the ground in Benghazi had reacted to the attack with bravery and professionalism. But, he said, the security precautions were "grossly inadequate" and the contingent was overwhelmed by the heavily armed militants. "They did the best they possibly could with what they had, but what they had wasn't enough," Pickering said.

Pickering and Mullen spoke after briefing members of Congress in private. Lawmakers from both parties had harsh words for the State Department.
