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 and said they amounted to 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 video by Democrats, shared by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, features Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Representatives Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow.
Sen Kelly, a Navy veteran and former astronaut, emphasized, Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers reiterated that no one is obligated to execute unlawful orders.
Trump's escalating rhetoric continued with claims of sedition and suggestions of trials for the lawmakers, leading the White House Press Secretary to deny accusations that he was calling for execution. Instead, she framed the lawmakers' statements as dangerous to military command structure.
House leadership is responding to the potential threats against the lawmakers, while public concern over politically charged violence is on the rise, as reflected in studies showing a perceived increase in such incidents across the country.
