Grand Jury Rejects Justice Department Attempt to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers

A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday refused to indict six Democratic lawmakers who released a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The decision blocks the Justice Department's attempt to bring criminal charges against Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, as well as Representatives Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander, and Jason Crow. All six lawmakers previously served in the military or intelligence agencies.

The investigation centered on a 90-second video posted in November in which the lawmakers told service members they must refuse orders that violate the law or the Constitution. President Donald Trump had previously labeled the group "traitors" and accused them of "sedition at the highest level," suggesting they should face imprisonment. Following the grand jury's decision, Senator Kelly described the pursuit of charges as an "outrageous abuse of power," while Senator Slotkin stated the move was a victory for the rule of law.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington, led by Jeanine Pirro, authorized the attempt to secure the indictment. While the grand jury declined to sign off on the charges on Tuesday, legal observers noted that prosecutors could still attempt to secure an indictment in the future. The lawmakers maintained that their video simply quoted existing law regarding military protocol.