Ambassador Christopher Stevens' death is shaking the political world.

Lawmakers and administration officials from across the country, and here in Colorado, are reacting.

Senator Mark Udall says, "We salute the sacrifice and service of all of those who were taken from us today and their families are in our thoughts and prayers."

Senator Michael Bennet calls the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi senseless and unjustified.

In response to the murder of Ambassador Stevens and three other Americans, he says, "These individuals died serving our country while promoting democracy and freedom abroad."

Udall says, "Ambassador Stevens was a dedicated public servant who was working in Libya to advance freedom and democracy. We will continue undeterred in our pursuit of those goals."

Representative Scott Tipton says, "We must not yield in the face of these terrorist acts, but strengthen our resolve to defend our nation's constitutional rights. America is the beacon of hope for the oppressed and an inspiration for all who long for freedom.”

Tim Casey, professor of political science at CMU, worries the attack could open up new fronts to the war on terrorism.

He says, "I think all of us need to take a step back and realize it’s not all Libyans and its not all Americans that are causing this problem. I think if we keep that perspective we'll make it through all of this."

Stevens is the first U.S. ambassador to be killed in the line of duty since the late 1970's.