Kelly describes threats as graphic and violent following Trump's call for arrest.

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) revealed on Tuesday that his office has been receiving a significant number of graphic and violent threats since former President Trump criticized him for sharing a video encouraging service members to refuse illegal orders.

We are now seeing in a single day more threats than we used to in several months, Kelly told CNNs Erin Burnett. And the content of these threats is very disturbing and violent.

Kelly noted that both he and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), have been targets. Giffords, who survived a 2011 shooting and retired from Congress in 2012, has been an outspoken advocate for gun control.

This cannot become normal, Kelly emphasized. One of the issues is that Donald Trump is profoundly unfit for the presidency, and the statements he makes are so extreme that people are starting to accept them.

Last month, Kelly, alongside Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Democratic Representatives Chris Deluzio (Pa.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), and Jason Crow (Colo.), posted a video on X addressing active-duty military and intelligence personnel, stating, Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. All six lawmakers have military or intelligence experience. Kelly himself served over twenty years in the Navy before becoming a NASA astronaut and entering politics.

Trump reacted strongly, labeling the lawmakers traitors and suggesting imprisonment, while posting that their SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR could be punishable by DEATH! on his social platform, which drew criticism.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that the former president seeks accountability but does not support execution. Meanwhile, the Pentagon launched a review into serious allegations of misconduct against Kelly, potentially including a recall to active duty for court martial, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering Navy Secretary John Phelan to complete the review by December 10.

Kelly pushed back against the investigation, stating on Tuesday, [Trump] is trying to silence people, but I will not be intimidated by him or Pete Hegseth and their threats of a court martial.

Author: Logan Reeves