Grand Jury Declines to Indict Lawmakers Over Controversial Video
In a recent development from Washington, a grand jury has chosen not to indict Democratic lawmakers concerning a contentious video encouraging U.S. military personnel to resist “illegal orders.” This decision was confirmed by an anonymous source familiar with the proceedings.
The investigation, initiated by the Justice Department, scrutinized a video featuring Democratic Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly, along with four other lawmakers. The video urged military members to adhere to lawful military protocols. These lawmakers, all with backgrounds in military or intelligence, have been under investigation for their statements.
The grand jury’s decision marks the latest instance where jurors in Washington have declined to pursue charges, illustrating a pattern of cautious scrutiny by citizens over recent months. It remains unclear if the prosecutors will attempt to bring charges again or which specific allegations were considered.
Requests for comments from the U.S. attorney’s office and the Justice Department went unanswered as of Tuesday.
In November, the FBI began scheduling interviews with the involved lawmakers, amidst the broader Justice Department efforts to address alleged offenses against political adversaries of the administration. Former President Donald Trump and his aides labeled the video as “seditious,” with Trump declaring it as an act “punishable by death” on social media.
The video also featured Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania.
Elissa Slotkin, once a CIA analyst, expressed hope for the cessation of the investigation, emphasizing the victory for “the Constitution, our freedom of speech, and the rule of law.” She remarked that the day was “an embarrassing day for the Administration” and “another sad day for our country.”
Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, criticized the attempt to charge them as “an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackies.” He stated on X, “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 a related move, the Pentagon launched an investigation into Kelly, relying on a federal law that permits recalling retired service members for possible disciplinary action. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sought to retroactively demote Kelly, a move Kelly is actively contesting in court, describing it as unconstitutional revenge.
During a recent hearing, the presiding judge appeared skeptical of the government attorney’s arguments defending the censure of Kelly.
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