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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced fury after Donald Trump alleged a contingent of Democratic congress members of being "betrayers" and stated they should be detained and penalized "by death" following their posting of a controversial video.

The Message That Provoked the Debate

The recorded message, released on earlier this week, includes six Democratic lawmakers who previously acted in defense or security roles.

"Like us, you all swore an vow to defend and support this founding document," the representatives affirmed in the short video. "Currently, the threats to our democratic foundation aren't just from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are explicit, you can decline unlawful commands, you can reject improper directives, you must refuse improper directives. No one has to carry out directives that violate the statutes or our constitution."

The Former President's Angry Reaction

The clip appeared to trigger a furious reaction from the previous commander-in-chief.

On the following morning, Trump published on his social media platform: "It's called 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 wrote: "This is really concerning, and Harmful to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional publication, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reposted a comment that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Leaders React

Following Trump's statements on that day, Top Democrats issued a unified statement censuring the statements.

"Political violence has no position in this nation," they wrote. "Elected officials who were featured in the video all worked our United States with tremendous national pride and excellence. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's disgusting and dangerous calls for execution against elected officials, and call on House Republicans to strongly do the same."

The opposition officials also said that they had been in touch with law enforcement "to ensure the protection of these officials and their relatives."

"Donald Trump must right away take down these unhinged digital publications and retract his dangerous language before he causes harm," the declaration stated.

Lawmakers' Defiant Response

The officials who were featured in the video also released a response.

"We are veterans and defense specialists who value this United States and swore an vow to safeguard and uphold the national charter of the United States," they said. "That oath is permanent, and we intend to keep it. No warning, coercion, or incitement will stop us from that important duty."

"The significant point is that the former president considers it punishable by capital punishment for us to reiterate the legal requirements," they continued. "Armed forces members should understand 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 proper thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "All citizens must join forces and censure the president's calls for our execution and political violence. This is a period for moral clarity."

Further Partisan Responses

The Democratic Senate minority leader also denounced Trump's comments and published on social media: "We must be absolutely clear: the ex-commander in chief is calling for the execution of government members."

He continued: "This represents an direct THREAT. Every Senator, all representatives, all citizens – regardless of party – should denounce this without delay and unconditionally."

The Conservative official defended Trump's allegation that the Democrats had engaged in "treason", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", adding: "This constitutes very harmful, you have important representatives of the government telling military personnel to disobey orders, I think that is historic in US history."

The Republican leader also allegedly told the press that in what he read of Trump's publications, Trump was "explaining the offense of sedition" but that "legal experts have to parse the wording and decide all that."

White House Statement

During a White House press conference on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a reporter, "Is the president want to put to death elected officials?", the executive branch representative answered: "Certainly not."

"It's important to note about what the former president is responding to," the spokesperson said. "You have active officials of the US Congress who conspired to orchestrate a video message to personnel of the US military, to current military personnel urging them to ignore the president's proper directives."

She stated: "The integrity of our military relies on the chain of command, and if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to fatalities, it can result in confusion, and precisely what these members of Congress ... are basically promoting."