The Pentagon says that it is investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over possible breaches of military law after Kelly joined a handful of other lawmakers in a video that called for U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders.

 

Associated Press Pentagon correspondent Konstantin Toropin said the Pentagon’s statement, which was posted on social media on Monday, cited a federal law that allows retired servicemembers to be recalled to active duty on orders of the defense secretary for possible court-martial or other measures.

 

“In a social media post to his own personal social media accounts, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained that the reason that Pentagon was investigating Kelly specifically is that he was the only person that the Pentagon had jurisdiction over,” Toropin said.

 

Kelly served in the U.S. Navy as a fighter pilot before going on to become an astronaut.

 

He retired at the rank of captain.

 

“The Pentagon wasn't exactly clear where they saw this investigation ending up, but the statement does say that it could involve recalling Mark Kelly to active duty for what they say are either court-martial proceedings or administrative measures, Toropin said.

 

It is extraordinary for the Pentagon to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation.

 

Since the announcement from the Pentagon, Kelly has responded, saying he won’t be intimidated.