two months before horner's death, the taliban had attacked the same lebanese restaurant taverna du liban, which was a popular spot for "westerners." on 17 january 2014 a suicide bomber led the attack with an explosion near the entrance. this was followed by gunmen who entered the restaurant and began shooting the patrons. twenty-one people were killed within the restaurant. only eight of these were locals. the restaurant was destroyed. horner had returned in march 2014 to interview the cook of the restaurant about the event when he was killed.