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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced outrage after former President Donald Trump charged a coalition of Democratic congress members of being "turncoats" and stated they should be detained and penalized "through capital punishment" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Content That Sparked the Controversy

The recorded message, shared on earlier this week, features six Democratic elected officials who formerly worked in military or security positions.

"Similar to us, you all made an pledge to safeguard and defend this founding document," the lawmakers stated in the 90-second video. "At present, the dangers to our democratic foundation are not only from foreign nations, but from within our own country. Our statutes are unambiguous, you can reject unlawful commands, you can decline unlawful commands, you should reject illegal orders. No one has to execute orders that break the law or our national charter."

Donald Trump's Angry Reaction

The clip reportedly provoke a heated response from the former president.

On Thursday morning, Trump posted on his preferred platform: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these traitors to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate publication, he stated: "This represents really serious, and Risky to our Nation. Their comments cannot be permitted to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional publication, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, subject to punishment by DEATH!" He also shared a statement that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders Answer

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, Top Democrats released a joint announcement denouncing the remarks.

"Violent politics has no position in the United States," they wrote. "Representatives who were featured in the video all served our nation with exceptional patriotism and honor. We clearly denounce Donald Trump's disgusting and harmful death threats against elected officials, and urge GOP representatives to vigorously do the same."

The Democratic leaders also mentioned that they had been in contact with protective services "to make certain the safety of these representatives and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay delete these unhinged digital publications and recant his violent rhetoric before he gets someone killed," the statement stated.

Lawmakers' Firm Response

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

"We serve as veterans and defense specialists who care for this nation and took an vow to safeguard and defend the national charter of the United States," they said. "This commitment continues forever, and we plan to maintain it. No warning, intimidation, or incitement will stop us from that fundamental duty."

"The significant point is that the former president views it liable to punishment by death for us to repeat the statutes," they added. "Armed forces members should know that we have their protection as they execute their pledge to the national charter and responsibility to adhere to only lawful orders. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "Every American must unite and condemn the former president's demands for our murder and political violence. This is a time for principled stance."

Further Political Reactions

The Senate Democratic leader also condemned Trump's statements and posted on digital platforms: "We must be absolutely clear: the former president is calling for the capital punishment of elected officials."

He added: "This is an direct THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, the entire nation – without partisan consideration – should condemn this right away and absolutely."

The Republican House speaker defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "rebellion", labeling the video as "extremely improper", adding: "It is very harmful, you have important representatives of Congress instructing soldiers to ignore directives, I think that represents without precedent in American history."

The GOP official also reportedly told media outlets that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "explaining the violation of rebellion" but that "attorneys have to examine the language and determine all that."

Administration Response

During a executive branch meeting on later that day, when asked by a journalist, "Would the president want to kill members of Congress?", the White House press secretary responded: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the former president is addressing," the spokesperson said. "We see active officials of the US Congress who conspired to arrange a recorded statement to members of the US military, to serving soldiers encouraging them to ignore the executive's proper directives."

She said: "The sanctity of our defense system rests on the command structure, and if that system is violated, it can result in casualties, it can cause disorder, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are basically supporting."