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Lawmakers from the Democratic party voiced outrage after Donald Trump alleged a contingent of Democratic representatives of being "betrayers" and stated they should be detained and punished "with execution" following their publication of a contentious video.

The Message That Triggered the Debate

The recorded message, shared on earlier this week, includes six Democratic congress members who in the past acted in military or defense roles.

"Like us, you all made an vow to safeguard and uphold this national charter," the officials stated in the brief video. "And right now, the threats to our democratic foundation aren't just from abroad, but from within our own country. Our laws are unambiguous, you can decline unlawful commands, you can reject illegal orders, you should reject illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that contravene the legal system or our founding principles."

Trump's Incensed Reaction

The recorded statement seemed to provoke a angry response from the previous commander-in-chief.

On Thursday morning, Trump published on his preferred platform: "It's called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our United States should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In another message, he wrote: "This constitutes really concerning, and Harmful to our Nation. Their statements cannot be permitted to remain. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a additional message, he continued: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also shared a comment that said: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials Answer

Following Trump's statements on Thursday, House Democratic leader issued a unified declaration denouncing the remarks.

"Partisan aggression has no role in this nation," they wrote. "Elected officials who participated in the video all worked our United States with great patriotism and honor. We strongly condemn Donald Trump's offensive and harmful death threats against congressional representatives, and appeal to Republican lawmakers to forcefully do the same."

The party representatives also stated that they had been in communication with protective services "to ensure the security of these officials and their families."

"Donald Trump must without delay take down these extreme digital publications and recant his dangerous rhetoric before he causes harm," the announcement added.

Lawmakers' Strong Answer

The officials who appeared in the video also released a declaration.

"We identify as former service members and defense specialists who care for this United States and swore an pledge to protect and uphold the constitution of the United States," they stated. "This commitment is permanent, and we aim to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or incitement will prevent us from that important obligation."

"What's most telling is that the ex-president considers it liable to punishment by capital punishment for us to repeat the law," they stated. "Military personnel should recognize that we have their backs as they execute their oath to the constitution and obligation to follow only legal commands. It is not only the correct thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They added: "Every American must come together and denounce the former president's requests for our execution and ideological conflict. This is a moment for moral clarity."

More Partisan Comments

The Democratic Senate minority leader also condemned Trump's statements and shared on online networks: "Let's be crystal clear: the ex-commander in chief is requesting the execution of elected officials."

He stated: "This is an outright THREAT. All senators, all representatives, every American – regardless of party – should censure this without delay and unconditionally."

The Conservative official justified Trump's allegation that the Democrats had been involved in "sedition", characterizing the video as "highly unsuitable", commenting: "This constitutes very risky, you have leading members of Congress telling troops to defy commands, I think that represents unprecedented in the nation's past."

The Conservative representative also reportedly told journalists that in what he reviewed of Trump's posts, Trump was "describing the crime of treason" but that "legal experts have to analyze the language and establish all that."

Administration Reaction

During a White House press conference on Thursday afternoon, when inquired by a media member, "Would the president want to put to death congressional representatives?", the White House press secretary replied: "Certainly not."

"Let's be clear about what the president is addressing," the official said. "There are active officials of the American legislature who coordinated to arrange a video message to individuals of the national defense, to active duty service members encouraging them to ignore the executive's proper directives."

She said: "The sanctity of our defense system depends on the chain of command, and if that structure is violated, it can lead to people getting killed, it can result in confusion, and that's what these members of Congress ... are fundamentally encouraging."