The US Department of Defense is currently conducting an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly following his appearance in a contentious video that has gained significant attention online.
Senator Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, joined five other Democratic lawmakers in urging military and intelligence personnel to disobey ‘unlawful commands’ from the government. However, the specific commands they were referencing remain unspecified.
The video, which includes participation from Democrats Elissa Slotkin, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow, was shared on social media last week.
In the video, they directly address service members, stating: “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution.
“And right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.
“Our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders… you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”
The video has garnered more than 17 million views on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Former President Donald Trump criticized the video, labeling it as ‘seditious behavior at the highest level’ and suggesting it could be ‘punishable by death.’
Sedition refers to actions or words aimed at inciting resistance, disobedience, or revolt against lawful authority.
The Pentagon has confirmed it is looking into ‘serious allegations of misconduct’ against Kelly, who served in the Navy from 1986 to 2011, reaching the rank of Captain and flying combat missions during the Gulf War.
Kelly was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1996 and retired from the astronaut corps in October 2011. In November 2020, he was elected as Senator for Arizona.
The Department of War released a statement indicating a ‘thorough review’ has been launched 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 statement mentioned. “Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”
The statement reiterated that ‘military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice] for applicable offenses,’ and federal laws prohibit actions ‘intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.’
“All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful,” the statement concluded.
“A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order.”
Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, responded to the statement via X.
He described the video as ‘despicable, reckless, and false’, adding: “Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ – and he knows that.”
Hegseth went on to accuse Kelly of ‘explicitly using his rank and service affiliation – lending the appearance of authority to his words’.
“Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately,” he concluded.
In a statement on his website, Kelly stated that Hegseth’s tweet was the first indication he had of the investigation.
“I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death,” he added.
“If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work,” he concluded.
“I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”