Senate Judiciary Dems demand records tied to FBI’s 'Seditious Six' probe
WASHINGTON, DC: Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats launched a probe on Wednesday, December 10, demanding that the Justice Department and FBI hand over internal records related to the investigation of six Democratic lawmakers dubbed as the "Seditious Six."
The request follows reports that the FBI sought voluntary interviews with the lawmakers, all of whom have military or law enforcement backgrounds, after they appeared in a viral video urging troops not to follow illegal orders.
In a letter spearheaded by Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill), the Democrats accused the Trump administration of targeting political rivals for exercising their First Amendment rights.
Fears of 'seditious conspiracy' investigation
"We write with grave concern that the Trump Administration is weaponizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation against federal lawmakers who merely restated current law," the letter states.
"This abuse of federal law enforcement authority as an instrument of retribution against the president’s political opponents is a threat to the constitutional freedoms of all Americans," it added.
The Senators expressed particular alarm over reports that the FBI pushed its domestic t*****ism agents to open a "seditious conspiracy" investigation into the group, which includes two senators and four House members.
The letter argues that prosecuting protected speech is "facially unconstitutional" and "absurd."
"It is absurd to contend that statements reiterating the law alone are a predicate for a seditious conspiracy investigation," the Democrats wrote.
They further chastised the administration's priorities, noting, "The Department of Justice’s resources would be better spent ensuring that the Department of Defense is following the law as it conducts military action."
Demands for communications with the White House
The letter, addressed to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, demands the production of any documents or communications related to the lawmakers' statements dating back to November 18.
Specifically, the committee is seeking records of any contact between the agencies and President Donald Trump or other White House officials.
They are also requesting communications involving the Washington Field Office, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense.
Pete Hegseth targets Mark Kelly
The Democrats' inquiry comes amid a broader pressure campaign against the lawmakers involved in the video.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has separately requested a briefing by December 10 regarding a review of the military record of Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz), a Navy veteran and former astronaut who appeared in the video.
Durbin and his colleagues have given the agencies a deadline of December 29 to comply with the records request.
Spokespeople for the FBI and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
