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◆ Mixed look for SchumerCongress / Members

Democrats fear political violence after Trump accuses Congress members of 'seditious behavior, punishable by death'

Schumer called Trump’s comments deadly serious and asked Capitol Police to provide special protection to targeted senators.

Democrats fear political violence after Trump accuses Congress members of 'seditious behavior, punishable by death'
Image · The Independent

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Outlet credibilityThe Independent77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 13, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump called six Democratic lawmakers’ appeal to troops to refuse illegal orders “seditious behavior” and said it was punishable by death. The lawmakers and Democratic leaders voiced concern about threats and security, while Republican leaders criticized the video and differed in their responses to Trump’s remarks.

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Chuck Schumer D · NY · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

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Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate Minority Leader who condemned Trump’s comments and requested protection for targeted lawmakers

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Elissa Slotkin
D · MI · SEN

Senator targeted by Trump and a speaker in the video urging military members to refuse illegal orders

Slotkin's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose social media posts accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior and said it was punishable by death

Trump's version of this story ↗
Mike Johnson
R · LA-4

House Speaker who criticized the lawmakers’ video and later said he would not use Trump’s words

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who criticized the lawmakers’ video but disagreed with Trump’s conclusion

Representative featured in the video urging military members to refuse illegal orders

Representative featured in the video who said Trump’s response followed her explanation of federal law

House Minority Leader who condemned Trump’s comments

Nancy Pelosi
D · CA-11

Speaker Emerita whose husband was attacked in the couple’s home

Representative featured in the video who said Trump’s remarks amounted to an open threat to lawmakers

White House press secretary who denied Trump wanted to execute lawmakers and criticized their video

Mark Kelly
D · AZ · SEN

Senator targeted by Trump and a speaker in the video urging military members to refuse illegal orders

Jason Crow
D · CO-6

Representative featured in the video and critic of Speaker Mike Johnson’s response

ALSO MENTIONED  Charlie Kirk, Conservative activist whose assassination Kelly referenced; Gabby Giffords, Former representative and Mark Kelly’s wife, referenced in connection with her experience of political violence; Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor whose residence was targeted in an arson attack

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