Shawn Ryan Show #235 John "Tig" Tiegen - 13th Anniversary of the Benghazi Attacks
50 snips
Sep 11, 2025 
John "Tig" Tiegen, a former U.S. Marine Sergeant and security contractor, shares his extraordinary experiences during the 2012 Benghazi attacks. He recounts the intense, chaotic night, emphasizing the decisions made under fire while saving lives. Tiegen discusses the importance of accountability in leadership and reflects on his military journey, including training with Blackwater. He also opens up about overcoming childhood trauma and his transition from military service to running for mayor of Colorado Springs, highlighting the significance of resilience and community support.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Repeated Denied Security Requests
- John “Tig” Tiegen described repeated denied security requests before Benghazi and being told to stand down during earlier attacks.
- He says leadership failures and lack of accountability led to predictable casualties when risks were ignored.
Demand Accountability For Leadership Failures
- Hold leaders accountable when their failures cost lives; treat serious oversight as criminal negligence when appropriate.
- Tig argues promotions without accountability invite repeated operational failures.
Multiple Childhood Abusers
- Tig recounts being sexually abused multiple times as a child and how he didn't disclose the first incidents.
- He explains abusers threatened victims to keep them silent, which shaped his protective instincts.
