Trump Accuses 2 PA Lawmakers Of Crime 'Punishable By Death'

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Thursday called for six Democratic lawmakers who have advised military members and intelligence officials to disobey any illegal orders from the administration to be arrested and put on trial.

Two of them are from Pennsylvania.

Trump initially accused the lawmakers of seditious behavior on his Truth Social media platform. In a followup post, he noted that seditious behavior is "punishable by death."

The legislators involved are representatives Chris Deluzio of Allegheny County and Chrissy Houlahan of Berks and Chester counties in Pennsylvania; representatives Jason Crow of Colorado and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire; and senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona. All are either military veterans or worked in intelligence circles before taking office.

“We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military. But that trust is at risk,” they said in a video released on social media on Wednesday.

"This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said he believed the Democrats spoke inappropriately.

“For a senator like Mark Kelly or any member of the House or Senate to behave in that kind of talks is to me so just beyond the pale,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to say anything more on it.”

The six senators and representatives issued a joint statement on Thursday:

"We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.

“What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our service members should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.

“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.

“In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated."

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, the target of an arson-related assassination attempt earlier this year, issued the following statement on Trump's remarks:

"Donald Trump called for violence this morning against duly elected members of Congress, including two outstanding members of Congress from Pennsylvania who have fought for our country, @RepHoulahan and @RepDeluzio.

"Not only has the President failed in his responsibility to lead this country — he is actively encouraging political violence once again, ratcheting up the real risk of danger to our elected leaders and deepening the divides in our country.

"The sycophants and enablers the President surrounds himself with are quick to condemn language like this when it suits their political purposes — but in moments like this, they remain silent.

"There should be no place for this violent rhetoric from our political leaders, and it shouldn’t be hard to say that.