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Democratic officials demonstrated fury after former President Donald Trump charged a group of Democratic legislators of being "betrayers" and declared they should be arrested and punished "with execution" following their publication of a disputed video.

The Content That Triggered the Dispute

The video footage, shared on earlier this week, includes six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in defense or defense positions.

"As we did, you all took an vow to safeguard and uphold this national charter," the lawmakers declared in the 90-second video. "And right now, the threats to our constitution aren't just from foreign nations, but from within our own country. Our laws are clear, you can refuse improper directives, you can reject illegal orders, you should refuse unlawful commands. No one has to carry out commands that break the statutes or our constitution."

Donald Trump's Incensed Reply

The clip reportedly prompt a heated reaction from the former president.

On the following morning, Trump wrote on his preferred platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate message, he stated: "This is really concerning, and Risky to our Country. Their words cannot be permitted to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third post, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also shared a declaration that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials Answer

Following Trump's remarks on Thursday, House Democratic leader issued a joint declaration denouncing the statements.

"Political violence has no place in the United States," they wrote. "Representatives who participated in the video all served our country with tremendous loyalty and honor. We clearly censure Donald Trump's disgusting and harmful death threats against congressional representatives, and call on House Republicans to strongly do the same."

The Democratic leaders also said that they had been in communication with law enforcement "to guarantee the protection of these representatives and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay remove these radical digital publications and retract his dangerous discourse before he gets someone killed," the statement added.

Officials' Firm Reaction

The officials who were featured in the video also issued a statement.

"We serve as former service members and defense specialists who care for this United States and made an vow to protect and uphold the founding document of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we plan to honor it. No threat, pressure, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred duty."

"What's most telling is that the former president considers it liable to punishment by death for us to reiterate the legal requirements," they stated. "Military personnel should know that we have their backs as they carry out their pledge to the constitution and responsibility to adhere to only lawful orders. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They added: "The entire nation must unite and denounce the former president's demands for our death and ideological conflict. This is a time for ethical certainty."

More Governmental Reactions

The Democratic Senate minority leader also denounced Trump's statements and published on digital platforms: "Let's be crystal clear: the former president is requesting the execution of elected officials."

He added: "This represents an outright THREAT. All senators, all representatives, the entire nation – irrespective of political affiliation – should denounce this right away and unconditionally."

The GOP leader defended Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "sedition", labeling the video as "highly unsuitable", adding: "This represents very harmful, you have important representatives of Congress advising military personnel to defy commands, I think that's historic in American history."

The GOP official also allegedly informed the press that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "describing the violation of sedition" but that "lawyers have to analyze the language and determine all that."

Administration Statement

During a White House press conference on that day, when asked by a journalist, "Is the president want to kill congressional representatives?", the administration spokesperson replied: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the former president is reacting to," the representative declared. "We see current representatives of the federal government who conspired to organize a video message to personnel of the American armed forces, to active duty service members urging them to ignore the executive's lawful orders."

She said: "The integrity of our military rests on the chain of command, and if that system is compromised, it can lead to casualties, it can lead to disorder, and that's what these elected officials ... are basically promoting."