CA, US & World
Grand Jury Declines to Indict Democratic Lawmakers Over Video Urging Troops to Refuse Illegal Orders
A federal grand jury has declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to refuse illegal orders from the Trump administration.
According to sources familiar with the matter, prosecutors had sought charges related to a 90-second video released in November. The clip featured Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Jason Crow of Colorado, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire.
In the video, the lawmakers warned of “threats to our Constitution” and encouraged service members to “refuse illegal orders.” The message drew sharp criticism from the administration, with officials arguing it undermined presidential authority as commander in chief.
Grand juries rarely decline to approve charges sought by prosecutors, though such outcomes have occurred in recent months in other politically sensitive cases. While the panel rejected the proposed indictments, prosecutors could attempt to bring the matter before another grand jury.
Several of the lawmakers responded publicly following the decision. Kelly called the effort to indict them an “outrageous abuse of power,” while Slotkin described the grand jury’s decision as a victory for constitutional protections and free speech.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the lawmakers “probably should be indicted,” arguing their comments crossed a line by encouraging disobedience.
The case also intersected with a separate dispute involving Kelly and the Pentagon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had moved to reduce Kelly’s last military rank and issue a letter of censure over his participation in the video. A federal judge in Washington is expected to rule on Kelly’s challenge to those actions.
The developments underscore ongoing tensions between the administration and its political opponents over speech, military authority, and the role of the Justice Department.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
February 11, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) John Moreno Jr. with the TFL 2) Kingston Pellum with the snag or, 3)Parker Lewis with the interception #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
Pride weekend brought the party to the pool at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs! David Reese stopped by the annual GED Magazine pool party, where an estimated 1,000 people gathered to celebrate community, inclusivity and Pride. The festivities continue with more events, including the Locker Room after-hours party and the Refresh pool party following Sunday’s parade. #PalmSpringsPride #PrideWeekend #AceHotel #GEDMagazine #NBCPalmSprings
@chef_matthew_resler executive chef and partner of @ashandvine.restaurant sits down with us to talk about his life as a marine sniper and law enforcement officer, family dinner at his Italian household, cooking on tour with Jason Aldean, how cooking food brings him out of his shell, and a friendship with two co-workers that blossomed into a must try restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. The full episode is on our YouTube page and nbcpalmsprings.com #palmspringsrestaurant #palmspringsfood #coachellavalleyrestaurant
Palm Springs Pride is officially underway and many local businesses are already looking ahead at the major economic boost this annual event brings every year. Our @newsbyalondra will have live coverage at 4:30, 5 and 6 p.m on air and online where she’ll speak to business owners about how they prep for the big crowds.
A federal judge blocked construction of President Trump’s 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery for 14 days, less than an hour after the project won final approval despite hours of public opposition.
Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed called Vice President JD Vance “habibi” during his victory speech. But the Arabic term of affection can have very different meanings depending on the context. CNN’s Leila Gharagozlou explains.
CRIME: Where do you stand on the death penalty? A sweeping decision impacting hundreds of California inmates: Governor Gavin Newsom is commuting the death sentences of ALL 548 people on California’s death row, changing their punishment to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin is speaking out, accusing Newsom of injecting politics into the criminal justice system. What does this mean for California’s death penalty moving forward? We’re following the latest developments.
Watch the Palm Springs Pride Parade LIVE this Sunday at 10 AM on NBC Palm Springs’ Facebook and YouTube channels! Join hosts Thalia Hayden and NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese for all the parade excitement, live from Palm Springs. Can’t make it in person? Celebrate with us online! Livestream sponsored by @DAP Health #PalmSpringsPride #PrideParade #NBCPalmSprings
Honor our veterans and get moving at the 3rd Annual Indio Veterans Day 5K & 10K Run! Join the community Wednesday, November 11, at the Empire Polo Club for a morning of fitness, fun and recognition of the men and women who have served our country. Register now and save $10 on your registration fee with promo code NBCUniversal. See you at the starting line! #Indio #VeteransDay #VeteransDay5K #VeteransDay10K #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
CNN’s Annie Grayer goes inside a ballot-counting center in Mississippi as absentee ballots are counted. Democratic candidate Scott Colom and the state’s incumbent Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith are locked in a razor-thin Senate race following Tuesday’s election.