The Department of Defense said Monday that it is opening an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for “serious allegations of misconduct.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the investigation was related to a video Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers made that encouraged members of the military and the intelligence community not to comply with illegal orders from President Donald Trump’s administration.
“The video made by the ‘Seditious Six’ was despicable, reckless, and false,” Hegseth posted on X. The six people featured in the video are all Democrats.
“Five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under @DeptofWar jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not “retired”, so they are no longer subject to UCMJ). However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ—and he knows that,” he added.
A thorough review of allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which could include recalling to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures, the Defense Department said.
Kelly’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump last week said on Truth Social that the Democratic lawmakers “should be arrested and put on trial,” accusing them of “seditious behavior” that, he said, could be “punishable by death.”
The next day, Trump said on conservative Brian Kilmeade’s radio show that he was “not threatening death” toward the members.
“I think they’re in serious trouble. I would say they’re in serious trouble. I’m not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble,” Trump said. “In the old days, it was death. That was seditious behavior.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Brennan Leach contributed.
