President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behaviour, punishable by death, after they released a video urging US service members to refuse unlawful commands.
This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? Trump wrote on social media.
The six lawmakers, all of whom have served in the military or intelligence community, called Trump's remarks dangerous, asserting they represented threats against elected officials.
No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation, they said in a joint statement.
The Democrats' video, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, included contributions from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow.
In the video, Sen. Kelly emphasized, Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders, adding, No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.
The lawmakers claimed, This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens, highlighting a need for adherence to constitutional oaths amid current threats.
Trump's response, proliferated through a series of Truth Social posts, condemned the lawmakers and suggested severe repercussions for their statements, calling for their arrest and trial.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied that Trump intended to advocate for violence, focusing instead on the lawmakers' calls to defiance against what she termed lawful orders.
Leadership in the US House is working with Capitol Police to ensure the safety of lawmakers targeted by Trump’s remarks, while criticism of his rhetoric intensifies across the political spectrum.
This incident emerges amid escalating concerns about politically motivated violence, with surveys indicating significant public anxiety regarding safety in political discourse.
