No Charges for Six Democratic Lawmakers in Military Video Case

In a significant legal development, the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington, D.C., has decided not to pursue criminal charges against six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a social media video last November urging military and intelligence community members to refuse illegal orders. The decision, reported by sources familiar with the matter, follows a federal grand jury's refusal to issue indictments earlier this month, marking the end of efforts to prosecute the group in the nation's capital.

The video, titled "Don't Give Up the Ship" and released on November 18, 2025, featured Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, along with Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire. All six have backgrounds in the military or intelligence community. In the 90-second clip, which garnered over 18 million views, the lawmakers addressed service members directly, stating that U.S. laws and the Uniform Code of Military Justice allow personnel to decline orders they believe to be unlawful. "Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders," Kelly...