Arizona Senator Mark Kelly addresses Pentagon investigation

PHOENIX – Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona held a press convention on Capitol Hill on December 1 to handle the problem Pentagon’s investigation against him that was introduced final week.

The backstory:

On November 24, the Pentagon mentioned it was investigating Senator Kelly for potential violations of navy legislation.

The Pentagon assertion cited a federal legislation that permits retired navy personnel to be recalled to energetic responsibility by order of the secretary of protection for potential courts-martial or different motion. Kelly served in the USA Navy as a fighter pilot earlier than changing into an astronaut. He retired to the rank of captain.

“All navy personnel are reminded that beneath the UCMJ they’ve a authorized obligation to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful. A soldier’s private philosophy doesn’t justify or excuse disobedience of an in any other case lawful order,” the Pentagon mentioned in a social media submit.

Dig deeper:

Whereas the assertion didn’t particularly say why Senator Kelly is beneath investigation, an Related Press article states that the announcement got here after Senator Kelly joined 5 different Democratic lawmakers in a video telling members of the navy that they’ll “refuse unlawful orders.”

The clip, roughly 1 minute and 30 seconds lengthy, consists of a number of statements from veterans now serving in Congress and chatting with the armed forces warning that the Trump administration is “turning our uniformed navy and intelligence professionals towards Americans.”

“You’ll be able to refuse unlawful orders,” Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) mentioned within the video. “Nobody has to hold out orders which can be opposite to the legislation.”

It ends with a navy phrase that claims, “Do not surrender the ship.”

In response to the videoPresident Donald Trump labeled the recording as “seditious conduct” that was “punishable by dying!”

“It is referred to as seditious conduct on the highest stage. Each certainly one of these traitors to our nation have to be arrested and delivered to justice. Their phrases can’t stand – we may have no nation anymore!!! An instance MUST be set. President DJT,” mentioned a submit from President Trump on TruthSocial.

Each Senator Kelly and Arizona’s different senator, Ruben Gallego, criticized the investigation when it was introduced.

“Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the primary I’ve heard of this. I additionally noticed the President’s messages calling for me to be arrested, hanged, and put to dying,” Senator Kelly mentioned on

In his response to the Pentagon’s assertion on the investigation, Senator Gallego mentioned said“[expletive] you and your analysis.”