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Democratic officials voiced fury after Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and stated they should be taken into custody and sentenced "by death" following their release of a contentious video.

The Message That Sparked the Controversy

The video footage, published on earlier this week, showcases six Democratic congress members who in the past worked in military or intelligence capacities.

"As we did, you all took an vow to safeguard and support this founding document," the officials stated in the brief video. "And right now, the risks to our governing document aren't just from abroad, but from right here at home. Our statutes are explicit, you can reject illegal orders, you can refuse unlawful commands, you have to refuse unlawful commands. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our national charter."

The Former President's Furious Reaction

The clip appeared to provoke a angry reaction from the former president.

On the following morning, Trump posted on his social media platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Nation should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In an additional post, he declared: "This represents really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their statements cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a third message, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also redistributed a declaration that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Party Representatives Respond

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

"Political violence has no place in the United States," they declared. "Representatives who appeared in the video all served our United States with great patriotism and excellence. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump's appalling and risky death threats against congressional representatives, and urge GOP representatives to forcefully do the same."

The party representatives also mentioned that they had been in communication with security officials "to make certain the security of these representatives and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay delete these unhinged social media posts and retract his aggressive language before he gets someone killed," the declaration added.

Representatives' Firm Answer

The officials who participated in the video also published a response.

"We identify as former service members and national security professionals who care for this United States and made an vow to safeguard and defend the national charter of the United States," they stated. "That oath continues forever, and we aim to maintain it. No threat, pressure, or incitement will stop us from that fundamental responsibility."

"The significant point is that the president deems it punishable by capital punishment for us to restate the law," they continued. "Armed forces members should understand that we have their protection as they carry out their vow to the national charter and duty to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our obligation."

They added: "Every American must unite and censure the ex-president's calls for our death and political violence. This is a moment for moral clarity."

Further Political Responses

The Opposition leader also censured Trump's comments and published on online networks: "We must be absolutely clear: the former president is requesting the death of government members."

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

The GOP leader supported Trump's claim that the Democrats had participated in "treason", characterizing the video as "wildly inappropriate", stating: "This constitutes very dangerous, you have prominent officials of the legislature telling soldiers to ignore directives, I think that's historic in US history."

The Republican leader also reportedly informed the press that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "defining the violation of rebellion" but that "attorneys have to analyze the terminology and establish all that."

White House Response

During a White House press conference on later that day, when inquired by a reporter, "Would the president want to put to death elected officials?", the White House press secretary answered: "No."

"It's important to note about what the former president is responding to," the spokesperson said. "You have sitting members of the federal government who worked together to orchestrate a digital communication to personnel of the national defense, to current military personnel advising them to ignore the commander in chief's lawful orders."

She said: "The integrity of our military depends on the command structure, and if that structure is broken, it can lead to fatalities, it can result in disorder, and that is exactly what these elected officials ... are essentially supporting."