The Department of War (formerly Defense) has announced that it will review allegations of misconduct by Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) after his appearance in a video calling for servicemembers to resist "illegal orders."
Last week, Sen. Kelly, a Navy veteran, was one of several Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video reminding members of the Armed Forces that they can refuse to carry out illegal orders from their commanders.
President Donald Trump called the video "seditious" and suggested the lawmakers were engaged in treason, which is a capital offense, writing on social media, "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"
Sen. Kelly responded to the President, commenting that "words have consequences, especially when they come from the President of the United States. What Trump said this morning—that my colleagues and I should be put to death—is dangerous."
This week, the Department of War announced that it had "received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.)" and thus would conduct "a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures."
"This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality," the post continued, adding that it will not comment further to maintain procedural integrity.
"The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces," the Department concluded, reminding that "A servicemember's personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order."
