FBI seeks interviews over video as Gallego defends Arizona's Sen. Mark Kelly

Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders” say the FBI has contacted them to begin scheduling interviews, signaling a possible inquiry into the matter.

It would mark the second investigation tied to the video, coming a day after the Pentagon said it was reviewing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over potential violations of military law. The FBI and Pentagon actions come after President Donald Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition and “punishable by DEATH” in a social media post.

Together, the inquiries mark an extraordinary escalation for federal law enforcement and military institutions that traditionally steer clear of partisan clashes. They also underscore the administration’s willingness to push legal limits against its critics, even when they are sitting members of Congress. Lawmakers in the video urge troops to reject any illegal orders from their superiors, something they are already duty-bound to do.

“President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass Members of Congress,” a group of four Democratic House members said in a statement Tuesday. “Yesterday, the FBI contacted the House and Senate Sergeants at Arms requesting interviews.

President Donald Trump suggested that those Democrats — including Kelly — should face the death penalty.

Like Kelly, all of the Democrats are either military veterans or served in intelligence roles.

Gallego defends Kelly

Democrat Ruben Gallego says Trump is weaponizing the government to intimidate his detractors, like Gallego’s fellow Arizona senator.

The Pentagon announced Monday that it’s investigating Kelly, a retired Navy captain, for possible breaches of military law. The investigation follows Kelly’s statements last week reminding U.S. service members to refuse unlawful orders.

"The president’s attacking a veteran, and coming up with BS reasons to attack him, to charge him, to intimidate him, and in the process, can hurt our democracy," Gallego said.

Gallego called Kelly “one of the toughest guys you’ll ever meet” and accused the Trump administration of scheming to distract voters from the Epstein files and intimidate lawmakers.

Kelly's comments

On MS-NOW on Monday, Kelly defended his comments and said he wasn’t intimidated by the threats.

"I wanted them to know, that members of Congress understand that this president, doesn't seem to care about the Constitution, the rule of law. And I have to say, I don't think there's anything nothing more patriotic than standing up for the Constitution."

In a separate statement, Kelly said he’d “given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies.”