Mark Kelly Says Trump Is Inciting Political Violence Against Him: 'People Listen To What He Says'

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said President Donald Trump's stance on Democratic lawmakers who said members of the U.S. military must refuse illegal orders, which included reposting a call for them to be executed, are inciting violence against him.

Speaking to Rachel Maddow on MS Now, Kelly was asked if the situation makes him stressed.

"I've had a missile blow up next to my airplane. I've been nearly shot down multiple times. I've flown a rocket ship into space 4 times built by the lowest bidder. And my wife, Gabby Giffords, meeting with her constituents, shot in the head. Six people killed around her, a horrific thing. She spent six months in the hospital. We know what political violence is and we know what causes it too, The statements that Donald Trump made incites others," Kelly said.

He went on to note that Trump has "millions of supporters" and "people listen to what he says," so he "should be careful with his words." "I'm not going to be silenced here. Is it stressful? I've been stressed by things more important than Trump trying to intimidate me into shutting my mouth," Kelly added.

Trump slammed the lawmakers who called on military members to refuse orders, saying they engaged in "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" He also reposted a message calling on him to execute the lawmakers.

Kelly stands at the center of the issue as, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, he could face "court-martial proceedings or administrative measures."

Hegseth said that "five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under @DeptofWar jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not 'retired', so they are no longer subject to UCMJ). "However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ—and he knows that," he said.

Kelly, who retired as a captain, said he heard about the investigation through Hegseth's post. "If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work," the senator claimed. "I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution."

The call has received criticism from Democrats but also Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who on Tuesday slammed the development in a social media publication.

"Amateur hour once again" at the Department of Defense, Bacon said in a social media publication. "I thought the video by six Dems was unnecessary and foolish. But the threats of sedition charges and courts martial in response are also crazy. Let's show some common sense and restraint," he added.