The Department of Defense, which is the legal name of the department, announced in a statement that it was investigating Senator Mark Kelly for misconduct related to his participation in a video in which he and other congressional veterans urged members of the military not to follow illegal orders.
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The Pentagon announced in a statement:
The War Department has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 USC § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further action, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative action.
This matter will be handled in accordance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Other official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The Department of War reminds everyone that retired military personnel remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and that federal laws such as 18 USC § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.
Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels. All military personnel are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed lawful. A military member’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse disobedience to an otherwise lawful order.
Senator Kelly responded with a statement saying he would not be intimidated:
When I was 22, I was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I have lived up to that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA and every day since retirement – which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents.
In combat, I detonated a missile next to my plane and flew past anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched a rocket, commanded the Space Shuttle, and participated in the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my deceased astronaut classmates at Columbia. I did all this in the service of this country that I love and which has given me so much.
Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the first I’ve heard of this. I also saw messages from the president saying I should be arrested, hanged and put to death. If this is intended to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I have given too much to this country to be silenced by tyrants who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.
Arizona U.S. Sen. Reuben Gallego landed in Sec. Hegseth on CNN.
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