Grand Jury Rejects DOJ’s Indictment Attempt Against Democratic Lawmakers

A grand jury in Washington, D.C. declined on Tuesday to support the Justice Department’s effort to indict a group of Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers had spoken in a video urging U.S. military personnel to disregard “illegal” orders. The DOJ initiated an investigation following the release of the video featuring six Democratic legislators, all of whom have backgrounds in the military or intelligence agencies. The lawmakers in question are Senators Elissa Slotkin from Michigan and Mark Kelly from Arizona, along with Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire, and Jason Crow from Colorado.

In the video, the lawmakers expressed their concern, stating, “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 coming to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”

The Associated Press reports that grand jurors decided not to endorse charges against the lawmakers. It remains unclear if charges were proposed for all six lawmakers, nor has it been specified what charges prosecutors contemplated filing. Although the grand jury decision represents a temporary setback for the DOJ, prosecutors aren’t barred from attempting another indictment.

Former President Donald Trump harshly criticized the lawmakers, labeling them “traitors” and accusing them of engaging in “sedition at the highest level.” He controversially suggested that they deserved execution for their actions, although he later retracted this statement. Not long after the video’s release, Slotkin, who has previously worked with the CIA and the Defense Department, became the target of a bomb threat.

Slotkin remarked on the outcome by stating, “Tonight we can score one for the Constitution, our freedom of speech, and the rule of law. But today wasn’t just an embarrassing day for the Administration. It was another sad day for our country.” Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, also expressed resentment toward the attempt to press charges, describing it as an “outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackeys.” He further added, “Donald Trump wants every American to be too scared to speak out against him. The most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down.”

In November, the Pentagon began investigating Kelly, citing a federal law that enables retired service members to be summoned back to active duty for potential court-martial or other forms of discipline. Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon chief, took action to censure Kelly, trying to demote him post-retirement from his rank of captain for his participation in the video. It was noted that refusing unlawful orders remains a standard military protocol. Later, Kelly filed a lawsuit against Hegseth to prevent these proceedings, labeling them as unconstitutional retribution.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.