Six Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Senator Mark Kelly, are receiving enhanced security following severe online attacks from former President Donald Trump. These attacks were in response to a video the lawmakers posted advising the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders from the administration.
Trump labeled their actions as "sedition" and "treasonous behavior," suggesting their actions were "punishable by DEATH" and sharing a post that advocated for their hanging. Senator Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, stated that Capitol Police immediately increased her security to 24/7, with law enforcement now stationed outside her home.
She believes Trump's rhetoric sets a dangerous climate from the top, encouraging harmful actions from individuals. She views his statements as an attempt to use fear and distraction, specifically to prevent criticism of him and to intimidate others into silence.
Senator Kelly, a retired Navy Captain and former astronaut, expressed his astonishment at needing to worry about his personal safety and that of his wife, Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, due to presidential statements. He described the situation as "uncharted waters." The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disputed the interpretation of Trump's comments, stating that Trump was reacting to a coordinated video message from Congress members encouraging defiance of lawful presidential orders.
