UPDATE: Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona is issuing a stern warning to former President Donald Trump over his recent incendiary comments, stating they could lead to “serious, serious consequences.” During a heated discussion on Face the Nation on Sunday, Kelly emphasized the weight of Trump’s words and the potential threats they pose to lawmakers like himself and his colleagues.
Trump’s remarks came after he accused Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior” in response to a video urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders. “His words carry tremendous weight, and because of what he says, there are now increased threats against us,” Kelly declared. This statement underscores the escalating tension as Trump took to social media, calling for the arrest of lawmakers involved in the video and even suggesting that “seditious behavior” could be punishable by death.
In the controversial video, Kelly, alongside fellow veterans Elissa Slotkin and Jason Crow, urged military members to prioritize the Constitution and reject unlawful commands. Crow highlighted the dangers of Trump’s rhetoric, recalling the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack as a stark reminder of how words can incite violence.
The president’s posts on Truth Social have intensified the situation, with Trump stating, “SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW,” referring to the lawmakers who participated in the video. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump does not wish to execute members of Congress, although Trump himself later attempted to downplay his statements, saying on Fox News Radio, “I’m not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble.”
Kelly, whose wife Gabby Giffords survived an assassination attempt, drew parallels between his experience and Trump’s rhetoric, urging that the former president must recognize the impact of his words. “The president should understand that his words could have serious consequences,” Kelly asserted, reinforcing his commitment to standing firm against intimidation.
The urgent concern among lawmakers is palpable, especially after Crow reported a bomb threat at his district office late Saturday, an incident that reflects the chilling effect of Trump’s language. “When you have the president of the United States threatening to execute and to hang, people listen to it,” Crow warned.
This crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing political violence, with Crow stating, “We’ve seen a pattern of insightful, dangerous rhetoric being used by the president, and then people acting on that.” The veterans involved in the video aimed to spark a crucial conversation about the legality and morality of military orders, stressing the imperative to address these issues before a crisis occurs.
As tensions rise, the focus now shifts to how lawmakers will respond to Trump’s escalating threats and the broader implications for political discourse in the U.S. The conversation around safeguarding the Constitution and the responsibilities of military personnel is more urgent than ever as they navigate the complexities of lawful obedience in a politically charged environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
