Saudi Embassy in US Calls Off National Day Event Amid Khashoggi Controversy

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, DC announced in a statement it will not hold the celebration of the National Day on Thursday after reports emerged about the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

"Please be advised that the reception for the National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 18, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm has been canceled," the Saudi Embassy said in an email to invitees as quoted by Politico.

Earlier on Monday, US media reported Saudi Arabia was preparing a report in which it would admit Khashoggi was killed during an interrogation that went terribly wrong and was conducted without clearance and transparency.

READ MORE: Saudis to Acknowledge Columnist Khashoggi's Death — Report

President Donald Trump suggested earlier in the day that Khashoggi could have been murdered by rogue killers. Trump emphasized that the Saudi government has denied any direct involvement in the incident.

Turkey said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a team of hitmen to Istanbul to torture and kill Khashoggi. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saudi Arabia's statements thus far do not appear convincing and Riyadh should provide solid evidence of its non-involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance.