Air Force Major Arrested During Impeachment Call on Capitol Steps
An Air Force major was taken into custody while in uniform on the Capitol steps following a public call for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. Jason Watson, an active-duty service member, was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday afternoon. The arrest occurred after his statements at a news conference demanding the removal of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The news conference was organized by the Removal Coalition, a group advocating for Trump’s impeachment, and was attended by Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas. Green has consistently introduced articles of impeachment against Trump. During the event, Watson expressed, “I’m here with him because Rep. Green is the only member of Congress that has demonstrated the courage and conviction to force a vote on articles of impeachment.” Watson believes that if Congress adopted Green’s example, removal of the Trump administration would be possible, emphasizing civil resistance to persuade Congress to honor their oaths.
Watson clarified that he does not align with Green’s policies and is not a Democrat. Notably, Rep. Green lost his re-election bid this year, and his office did not respond immediately to requests for comment on Watson’s arrest.
Capitol Police issued a statement explaining, “It is generally against the law for the public to demonstrate on the House Steps unless they are with a Member of Congress.” They described the incident: “Yesterday afternoon, a man was escorted to the House Steps by a Member of Congress. When the Member of Congress left the area, our officers gave the man lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration or he would be arrested. The man refused our lawful orders.” Watson was arrested for charges of “Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding,” although protesting is permissible in other locations on Capitol grounds.
Service members face stricter protest laws than civilians according to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This code prohibits officers from using “contemptuous language towards the President, Vice President, the Secretaries of War and of a military department, Congress, and certain other officials,” as noted in an Air Force memo from the previous year.
An Air Force spokesperson stated that service members must adhere to laws, regulations, and policies governing conduct and uniform wear. They added, “All Department of the Air Force personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, both on and off duty.” Political activities in uniform are prohibited for all service members.
Watson’s criticism targeted Trump and Vance’s actions in Venezuela and Iran, which he labeled as “an unconstitutional usurpation of Congress’ authority and a violation of the War Powers Clause.” He cited the death toll of 13 U.S. service members in Iran-related actions as a reason for impeachment. Watson also perceived the administration’s immigration policies as unconstitutional.
The Removal Coalition and Watson were unavailable for immediate comment.