Lawmakers say Saudi explanation of Jamal Khashoggi's death doesn't seem credible

Christal Hayes | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Saudi officials confirm Jamal Khashoggi died inside consulate Saudi authorities released the statement after the journalist had been missing for more than two weeks after entering the Saudi Arabia consulate in Turkey.

WASHINGTON - More than two weeks after Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi went missing, Saudi Arabia has admitted he was killed inside its Turkey consulate.

But the regime's explanation over what happened has been inconsistent and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle took issue with that on Friday.

The regime for weeks had insisted it knew nothing of Khashoggi's disappearance and repeatedly claimed the columnist must have gone missing after he left the diplomatic facility in Istanbul.

Reports continued to mount showing a group of Saudi officials with close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, the country’s de facto ruler, visited the consulate and appeared to be connected to the torturing, dismembering and killing of Khashoggi, who was critical of the Saudi regime.

While Saudi officials admitted Friday he'd been killed inside the consulate, they did not give an explanation for Khashoggi's brutal slaying and dismemberment or the location of his body.

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the explanation given by the Saudis that led to Khashoggi’s death "absolutely defies credibility.”

“The world deserves an explanation, and not from the Saudis,” he told CNN, adding that for too long they’d been "given a pass" for "killing innocent civilians."

On Twitter, Blumenthal called for an international investigation to prevent the Saudis from "whitewashing" the probe.

Saudi actions & explanations continue to defy credibility & common sense. No way should the world wait 30 days for a Saudi whitewash or cover up. U.S. must call for an international investigation that holds accountable all responsible—not just Crown Prince's fall guys. — Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) October 19, 2018

One of the most vocal Republicans on this incident has been Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. After the Saudis issued the statement, explaining what happened, Graham wasn't satisfied.

"To say that I am skeptical of the new Saudi narrative about Mr. Khashoggi is an understatement," Graham said on Twitter Friday.

He continued, explaining the shifting narrative was concerning and didn't make sense that all this happened inside the consulate without the knowledge of the crown prince.

"It’s hard to find this latest 'explanation' as credible," Graham wrote.

Graham had been a strong supporter of Saudi Arabia but the Khashoggi case has turned him into a critic. He recently suggested that the crown prince was "toxic" and should be replaced.

To say that I am skeptical of the new Saudi narrative about Mr. Khashoggi is an understatement. https://t.co/am4fraUL6H — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) October 19, 2018

Other lawmakers said the statement left more questions than answers as to what happened to Khashoggi.

"Where is the body?" Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. wrote on Twitter, adding his family "deserve immediate custody of the remains as they seek some measure of closure."

Rep. Pete King, D-N.Y., also had questions.

Saudi "explanation" leaves most questions unanswered. Raises more questions. Makes no sense. Can't be believed. — Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) October 19, 2018

"Saudi 'explanation' leaves most questions unanswered," he wrote on Twitter. "Raises more questions. Makes no sense. Can't be believed."

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., went a step further in his denouncement of Saudi Arabia, asking for swift repercussions against the regime, including the stopping of an arms deal.

"We should also halt all military sales, aid and cooperation immediately," he wrote on Twitter. "There must be a severe price for these actions by Saudi Arabia."

The arms deal has been a major focal point as the president has felt pressure to consider halting the deal because of Khashoggi's death. President Trump has pushed back, explaining the stopping the deal would be hurting the U.S. as the deal would supply new jobs.