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Democratic officials demonstrated outrage after Donald Trump alleged a coalition of Democratic representatives of being "turncoats" and declared they should be taken into custody and punished "by death" following their publication of a contentious video.

The Message That Triggered the Debate

The recorded message, published on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic elected officials who previously acted in military or security roles.

"As we did, you all made an pledge to safeguard and support this founding document," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "And right now, the risks to our constitution are not only from foreign nations, but from right here at home. Our laws are unambiguous, you can reject unlawful commands, you can refuse improper directives, you have to reject illegal orders. No one has to follow commands that break the legal system or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Incensed Response

The clip seemed to provoke a furious response 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 traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In another post, he wrote: "This constitutes really bad, and Risky to our United States. Their comments cannot be allowed to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent message, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also redistributed a statement that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials React

Following Trump's remarks on that day, House Democratic leader released a joint statement censuring the remarks.

"Violent politics has no role in this nation," they wrote. "Representatives who were featured in the video all worked our United States with tremendous loyalty and excellence. We unequivocally denounce Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous death threats against members of Congress, and appeal to GOP representatives to strongly do the same."

The Democratic leaders also said that they had been in touch with security officials "to guarantee the safety of these members and their families."

"Donald Trump must right away take down these radical social media posts and retract his aggressive rhetoric before he causes harm," the declaration added.

Lawmakers' Firm Reaction

The officials who participated in the video also issued a response.

"We serve as former service members and security experts who love this country and made an oath to defend and defend the founding document of the United States," they declared. "This commitment continues forever, and we intend to honor it. No intimidation, pressure, or call for violence will deter us from that fundamental responsibility."

"The significant point is that the president deems it subject to penalty by execution for us to reiterate the statutes," they added. "Armed forces members should understand that we have their protection as they execute their vow to the founding principles and obligation to obey only legal commands. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our obligation."

They continued: "Every American must unite and denounce the former president's demands for our death and political violence. This is a time for ethical certainty."

More Political Reactions

The Opposition leader also denounced Trump's remarks and shared on social media: "It's important to understand: the former president is demanding the execution of government members."

He stated: "This represents an direct THREAT. Every Senator, every Representative, every American – irrespective of political affiliation – should censure this right away and without qualification."

The GOP leader defended Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "rebellion", describing the video as "highly unsuitable", stating: "This represents very risky, you have prominent officials of Congress advising military personnel to defy commands, I think that is unprecedented in the nation's past."

The Republican leader also allegedly stated to media outlets that in what he read of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the crime of rebellion" but that "attorneys have to analyze the terminology and establish all that."

White House Reaction

During a executive branch meeting on that day, when inquired by a journalist, "Would the president want to execute elected officials?", the executive branch representative replied: "Certainly not."

"We should understand about what the ex-commander in chief is reacting to," the official said. "You have active officials of the federal government who conspired to arrange a digital communication to personnel of the US military, to current military personnel urging them to ignore the executive's legal commands."

She added: "The purity of our military depends on the hierarchy, and if that structure is violated, it can result in people getting killed, it can lead to disorder, and that is exactly what these elected officials ... are fundamentally encouraging."