A senator from Arizona says he has faced a sudden wave of threats after he spoke out about the duty of military members to follow the law. He says the reaction shows how pressure and fear are now used to silence people who raise concerns about government actions. The senator explains that he will not step back, even as attempts to intimidate him grow.
He says many of the threats came from people who support the former president. According to him, their anger rose after he shared a message about the limits of military power and the need for clear rules during conflict. He says the attacks were not only harsh but meant to send a warning to anyone else who might speak out. He also believes this kind of pressure is unhealthy in a democracy.
The senator says the goal of these threats is simple. It is to make people afraid to talk. He says the message from those behind the attacks is that anyone who challenges the former president should stay quiet. But he insists that silence is not an option. He says people in public office have a duty to speak when they think something is wrong. He also says he has served his country for many years and will not be pushed aside by fear or shouting.
When asked whether he worries about his safety or that of his family, he says he takes all threats seriously. He explains that he will not share details about his security. But he says the increase in threats is clear. He adds that this situation is not just about him. It affects retired service members, public workers, military families, and anyone who speaks up in public.
He says the goal of the threats is to create silence, not only for leaders but also for everyday people. According to him, threats from a former president are especially serious because they can influence large groups of supporters. He warns that such language can lead to unsafe behavior and weaken trust in institutions.
The senator notes that he cannot recall any other time in U.S. history when a president or former president suggested that elected officials should face extreme punishment. He says the country has disagreements, but leaders must use calm and careful language. He says urging harm, even in anger, crosses a line that no leader should cross.
He also calls for a closer look into claims about actions taken by some members of the military during a past operation at sea. Reports say survivors from a damaged vessel may have been at risk even after the threat had passed. The senator says he hopes the reports are wrong. He says he respects the Navy and its most skilled teams. He also says he knows how complex operations at sea can be.
He points out that the law of the sea and the Geneva Conventions exist for a reason. They guide how troops must act, even in tense moments. He says every service member learns these rules because they protect both sides and prevent tragic mistakes. He also says anyone who has been in combat knows how fast things can unfold, which is why training and discipline are so important.
The senator adds that military leaders and defense officials may need to speak before committees in the House and Senate. He says people deserve clear answers. He also says public trust grows when leaders explain what happened and what steps will follow.
He says he hopes the reports about the incident are false. He says most people in the military act with honor, even when under pressure. He believes they understand the rules and know why those rules matter. Still, he says the concerns should be reviewed so that future missions follow the highest standards.
As he prepares for the next steps in Congress, the senator says he will keep speaking up. He urges others to do the same. He says fear should never guide a democracy. Instead, he believes openness, honesty, and courage must shape public life. He says no wave of threats will change his duty to serve and protect the values he has long defended.
