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Democratic officials voiced outrage after Donald Trump alleged a group of Democratic congress members of being "turncoats" and declared they should be detained and penalized "with execution" following their posting of a disputed video.

The Recording That Sparked the Debate

The clip, shared on earlier this week, includes six Democratic elected officials who previously served in military or defense roles.

"As we did, you all took an vow to protect and support this founding document," the officials declared in the 90-second video. "At present, the risks to our constitution aren't just from abroad, but from within our own country. Our laws are explicit, you can decline illegal orders, you can reject illegal orders, you must decline improper directives. No one has to carry out directives that break the statutes or our founding principles."

Trump's Angry Reply

The video message reportedly prompt a heated reaction from the ex-president.

On Thursday morning, Trump wrote on his social media platform: "This represents SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL. Each one of these turncoats to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL."

In a separate publication, he wrote: "This constitutes really bad, and Dangerous to our Nation. Their statements cannot be enabled to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"

In a subsequent post, he stated: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reposted a comment that read: "HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD !!"

Democratic Officials Answer

Following Trump's comments on Thursday, House Democratic leader published a joint declaration censuring the remarks.

"Violent politics has no role in the United States," they wrote. "Congress members who were featured in the video all worked our nation with exceptional patriotism and honor. We clearly denounce Donald Trump's offensive and dangerous calls for execution against members of Congress, and call on GOP representatives to forcefully do the same."

The party representatives also mentioned that they had been in touch with protective services "to ensure the protection of these officials and their families."

"Donald Trump must immediately delete these unhinged online messages and withdraw his aggressive language before he causes harm," the statement added.

Representatives' Strong Response

The lawmakers who participated in the video also issued a declaration.

"We identify as veterans and security experts who care for this nation and made an pledge to defend and uphold the national charter of the United States," they declared. "That oath continues forever, and we aim to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will stop us from that sacred obligation."

"The significant point is that the president considers it subject to penalty by capital punishment for us to repeat the legal requirements," they continued. "Armed forces members should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their pledge to the constitution and obligation to obey only proper directives. It is not only the proper thing to do, but also our responsibility."

They continued: "All citizens must come together and denounce the former president's requests for our murder and partisan aggression. This is a time for ethical certainty."

More Governmental Responses

The Senate Democratic leader also denounced Trump's comments and posted on digital platforms: "Let's be crystal clear: the ex-commander in chief is requesting the execution of elected officials."

He stated: "This constitutes an clear THREAT. Each congressional member, all representatives, all citizens – regardless of party – should condemn this right away and without qualification."

The GOP leader supported Trump's assertion that the Democrats had participated in "sedition", describing the video as "highly unsuitable", adding: "This represents very risky, you have leading members of the government instructing military personnel to defy commands, I think that is unprecedented in US history."

The GOP official also reportedly informed media outlets that in what he read of Trump's messages, Trump was "defining the violation of rebellion" but that "lawyers have to parse the wording and determine all that."

White House Response

During a administration briefing on later that day, when inquired by a journalist, "Would the president want to put to death elected officials?", the White House press secretary responded: "No."

"Let's be clear about what the ex-commander in chief is addressing," the official declared. "We see active officials of the federal government who worked together to organize a recorded statement to individuals of the national defense, to serving soldiers urging them to defy the executive's legal commands."

She stated: "The integrity of our military depends on the command structure, and if that chain of command is broken, it can result in casualties, it can cause confusion, and precisely what these congressional representatives ... are essentially encouraging."