A U.S. Air Force major, Jason Watson, was arrested in uniform on the steps of the Capitol following his call for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. This event occurred after Watson spoke at a news conference organized by the Removal Coalition, aiming to persuade Congress to impeach Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Watson, an active-duty service member, was apprehended by the U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday afternoon after expressing his belief that both Trump and Vance should be removed from office. The event was also attended by Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat known for repeatedly introducing articles of impeachment against Trump.
“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 stated. “If Congress followed his example, we could remove the entire Trump administration, but Congress remains unconvinced of the urgency and necessity for them to honor their oaths, so we must persuade them with our unrelenting, uncompromising civil resistance.”
Despite his strong stance, Watson clarified that he is not a Democrat and does not align with Green’s policy positions. Notably, Green lost his re-election bid this year, and his office did not respond to requests for comments on Watson’s arrest.
The U.S. Capitol Police issued a statement explaining that public demonstrations on the House Steps are generally unlawful 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.” While protests are permitted in other locations on Capitol grounds, service members must adhere to stricter protest laws than civilians. The Uniform Code of Military Justice forbids officers from using contemptuous language towards high-ranking officials and prohibits political activities while in uniform.
An Air Force spokesperson reiterated this point, stating, “Service members must comply with all laws, regulations and policies governing conduct and the wear of the uniform. All Department of the Air Force personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, both on and off duty.” This requirement extends to all service branches, not only the Air Force.
Watson criticized Trump’s and Vance’s foreign policy actions, particularly those in Venezuela and Iran, labeling them as an unconstitutional overreach of Congress’ authority and a violation of the War Powers Clause. He attributed the deaths of 13 service members and numerous injuries to these actions. Watson also deemed the administration’s immigration policies unconstitutional.
Neither the Removal Coalition nor Watson were available for comment following the incident.