Lawmakers Demand Justice Department Preserve Records Amid Failed Charges
In a bold move, lawmakers are demanding that the top federal prosecutor in Washington preserve records for a potential lawsuit after a grand jury declined to sign off on an indictment against them. The drama unfolded as six Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, released a video urging service members and intelligence community members to defy 'illegal orders' citing threats to the Constitution.Failed Indictment
A grand jury declined to sign off on an indictment against Crow and five other lawmakers on Tuesday. The Justice Department sought to charge them under a criminal statute that threatens a 10-year prison sentence for anyone who 'advises, counsels, urges, or in any manner causes or attempts to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty by any member of the military.' It requires intent to 'interfere with, impair, or influence the loyalty, morale, or discipline of the military.'
Lawyer's Letter
Abbe Lowell, an attorney for Rep. Jason Crow, wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro demanding that she preserve records for a potential lawsuit if her office takes any further action related to the video. Lowell cited principles of federal prosecution requiring probable cause that a person has committed a federal offense and warned that 'any further effort to pursue these baseless allegations would be actionable.'
Lawmakers' Response
The lawmakers, who are all veterans or former national security officials, have been vocal about their concerns. Sen. Elissa Slotkin said at a news conference alongside Sen. Mark Kelly that 'we need to stay on offense,' and that the two senators have 'kept all of our legal options open as we go forward.' Slotkin also sent a letter to Pirro and Attorney General Pam Bondi last week demanding they retain records.
Background
The video, released in November, urged service members and intelligence community members to defy 'illegal orders' citing threats to the Constitution. The lawmakers, who are all veterans or former national security officials, have been vocal about their concerns. Rep. Jason Crow, a paratrooper and Army Ranger, has dedicated his life to defending democracy and the nation he loves.
The drama unfolding in Washington highlights the tension between lawmakers and the Justice Department. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the lawmakers will not be intimidated or silenced. They will continue to fight for their rights and the Constitution they swore to protect.
