Air Force Major’s Arrest Follows Call for Trump Impeachment

On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Capitol Police arrested Jason Watson, a major in the Air Force, on the steps of the Capitol. Watson, dressed in uniform, was detained after publicly calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

The arrest occurred following a news conference organized by the Removal Coalition, a group advocating for Trump’s impeachment. The event featured remarks by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, known for his repeated introductions of articles of impeachment against Trump. Watson, not aligning himself as a Democrat, spoke at the event, praising Rep. Green for his courage and conviction in pushing for a vote on impeachment articles. He stressed the importance of unrelenting civil resistance to persuade Congress to act on the impeachment.

Watson’s presence and speech coincided with Rep. Green’s attendance, who has lost his re-election bid. Green’s office did not comment on Watson’s arrest. The U.S. Capitol Police issued a statement, explaining that public demonstrations on the House Steps are illegal unless conducted with a Member of Congress.

‘Yesterday afternoon, a man was escorted to the House Steps by a Member of Congress,’ the statement read. ‘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 charged with ‘Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding.’ Protests are permitted in other locations on Capitol grounds.

Service members face restrictions in protest activities compared to civilians. The Uniform Code of Military Justice 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 outlined in an Air Force memo.

An Air Force spokesperson emphasized the need for service members to adhere to laws, regulations, and policies related to conduct and uniform wear. Political activities in uniform are banned across the military.

Watson’s criticism of the administration involved its foreign policy actions in Venezuela and Iran. He argued these actions represented an unconstitutional takeover of Congress’ authority, violating the War Powers Clause. He linked these actions to the deaths of 13 service members and injuries to hundreds more related to the conflict in Iran. Watson called for impeachment based on these violations.

Watson also challenged the administration’s immigration policies as unconstitutional. The Removal Coalition did not comment on requests for additional information, nor could Watson be reached.