WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after Saudi officials again changed their story regarding the murder of Washington Post journalist and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside its consulate in Istanbul, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“In the face of mounting evidence, the Saudis now admit Khashoggi’s torture and murder was premediated.  But they are still engaged in a cover up. 

“The Saudi Crown Prince must direct those responsible to produce Jamal Khashoggi’s body immediately so that an autopsy may be conducted and his family can have a proper burial.  If the Crown Prince is unable or unwilling to do so, then it will become clear that he is complicit in the cover up.

“President Trump’s feeble response to the brutal torture, murder, and apparent dismemberment of a journalist who was legally living in the United States shows a stunning lack of leadership.

“The Saudis ever changing story underscores the need for an independent and credible international investigation of what happened to Mr. Khashoggi.  If President Trump abdicates his responsibility to hold the Saudis accountable then Congress must go it alone.  Congress must follow the facts and act in a responsible, bipartisan manner to hold the killers, and those who ordered the killing, accountable.”