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Democratic officials voiced outrage after Donald Trump alleged a contingent of Democratic representatives of being "turncoats" and declared they should be detained and penalized "by death" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Content That Provoked the Debate

The recorded message, released on Tuesday, features six Democratic elected officials who previously worked in defense or intelligence roles.

"Like us, you all swore an oath to defend and support this founding document," the officials affirmed in the short video. "At present, the threats to our democratic foundation don't only come from overseas, but from within our own country. Our regulations are clear, you can refuse unlawful commands, you can refuse improper directives, you have to refuse unlawful commands. No one has to carry out orders that contravene the law or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Incensed Response

The recorded statement reportedly prompt a furious reply from the previous commander-in-chief.

On later in the week, Trump wrote on his social media platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these betrayers to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In another post, he stated: "This represents really concerning, and Harmful to our United States. Their comments cannot be enabled to persist. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also reposted a comment that stated: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Representatives Answer

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, Democratic leadership published a combined statement denouncing the comments.

"Violent politics has no position in the United States," they wrote. "Elected officials who appeared in the video all worked our country with exceptional loyalty and honor. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and risky threats of violence against elected officials, and call on Republican lawmakers to forcefully do the same."

The Democratic leaders also mentioned that they had been in contact with security officials "to guarantee the safety of these members and their loved ones."

"Donald Trump must without delay take down these unhinged social media posts and withdraw his dangerous language before he leads to violence," the statement stated.

Representatives' Strong Response

The lawmakers who participated in the video also released a response.

"We serve as veterans and national security professionals who love this United States and swore an pledge to defend and support the constitution of the United States," they declared. "Our pledge continues forever, and we intend to honor it. No intimidation, pressure, or promotion of aggression will deter us from that fundamental obligation."

"The significant point is that the president deems it subject to penalty by execution for us to restate the law," they stated. "Armed forces members should know that we have their support as they carry out their vow to the founding principles and duty to follow only legal commands. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty."

They continued: "The entire nation must come together and censure the ex-president's calls for our death and political violence. This is a period for ethical certainty."

Additional Partisan Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's statements and published on social media: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is requesting the capital punishment of elected officials."

He continued: "This is an clear THREAT. Each congressional member, every Representative, every American – regardless of party – should condemn this immediately and without qualification."

The Conservative official defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "sedition", describing the video as "extremely improper", adding: "This constitutes very harmful, you have leading members of the government advising troops to disobey orders, I think that's without precedent in American history."

The Republican leader also allegedly stated to journalists that in what he examined of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the crime of treason" but that "attorneys have to analyze the language and establish all that."

Administration Statement

During a administration briefing on later that day, when inquired by a media member, "Is the president want to execute congressional representatives?", the executive branch representative replied: "Absolutely not."

"It's important to note about what the former president is responding to," the representative stated. "There are current representatives of the American legislature who worked together to organize a digital communication to members of the American armed forces, to serving soldiers urging them to defy the president's legal commands."

She added: "The sanctity of our military depends on the hierarchy, and if that structure is violated, it can cause people getting killed, it can cause chaos, and that is exactly what these members of Congress ... are fundamentally supporting."