Sen. Gardner Calls For 'Full Investigation' Into Saudi Journalist's Disappearance

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DENVER (CBS4)- Colorado Republican Sen. Cory Gardner is calling for a full investigation into the disappearance of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who went missing after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul earlier this month.

He told CBS4's partners at KOA Radio Wednesday morning that if Saudi Arabia played a role in his disappearance or death, there should be stiff sanctions.

Sen. Cory Gardner (credit: CBS)

"There is no doubt this is a defining moment in our relationship with Saudi Arabia but we must get the information, I can't stress that enough. This is an important important relationship in the Middle East. If they did this, things will change. If they didn't, we can't act rashly," said Gardner.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says America takes the disappearance of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi "seriously."

Turkish forensic and investigation officers arrive at the Saudi Arabia's Consul General Mohammad al-Otaibi on October 17, 2018 in Istanbul. - Saudi Arabia's consul to Istanbul Mohammed al-Otaibion on October 16, 2018 left the Turkish city bound for Riyadh on a scheduled flight, reports said, as Turkey prepared to search his residence in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (credit: YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)

"This will create significant sanctions, impose significant sanctions. look we need more facts, we need more information but right now it does not look good for what actions Saudi Arabia may have participated in," said Gardner.

Pompeo made the comments to journalists after leaving Turkey on Wednesday during a quick visit that included a talk with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Pompeo said Erdogan "made clear that the Saudis had cooperated with the investigation that the Turks are engaged in and they are going to share information."

A Saudi citizen stands at the entrance of the Saudi Arabian Consulate as she speaks to a person inside on October 17, 2018 in Istanbul. - Saudi Arabia's consul to Istanbul Mohammed al-Otaibion on October 16, 2018 left the Turkish city bound for Riyadh on a scheduled flight, reports said, as Turkey prepared to search his residence in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (credit: OZAN KOSE/AFP/Getty Images)

Khashoggi vanished Oct. 2 during a visit to the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, and Turkish officials have claimed Saudi agents killed and dismembered the Washington Post columnist.

Cory Gardner