Pentagon Investigates Sen. Kelly Over Troops Video

The Pentagon announced on Monday that it has launched an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona for potential violations of military law, following his participation in a video urging U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The probe targets Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, who joined five other lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds in the message released last Tuesday.

In its social media statement, the Pentagon cited 18 U.S.C. 2387, a federal statute that prohibits actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or discipline of the armed forces. Officials indicated that the review could lead to Kelly's recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions, as retired service members remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. "A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions," the statement read. It emphasized that orders are presumed lawful and that personal beliefs do not excuse disobedience of valid directives.

Kelly, who served as a Navy fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and retiring at the rank of captain, appeared in the...