WASHINGTON (AP) - Chris Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to Libya who was killed in a consulate attack by protesters, spent the last two decades in foreign service.

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Stevens was a career diplomat who spoke Arabic and French and had already served two tours in Libya. He wrote several confidential cables back to Washington, describing Moammar Gadhafi's bizarre behavior.

Stevens was confirmed as ambassador to Libya by the Senate earlier this year.

Stevens and three other Americans were killed as they tried to evacuate staff while armed protesters attacked the compound. They were angry over a film that ridiculed Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

Chris was a courageous and exemplary representative of the United States," President Barack Obama said in a statement. "Throughout the Libyan revolution, he selflessly served our country and the Libyan people at our mission in Benghazi."

His State Department biography, posted on the website of the U.S. Embassy to Libya, says Stevens "considers himself fortunate to participate in this incredible period of change and hope for Libya."

Stevens joined the Foreign Service in 1991 and spent time in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria and Israel.