An active-duty Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the Capitol on July 1 after calling for President Trump’s impeachment during a protest organized by the Removal Coalition, a group that lobbies Congress to impeach Trump. Maj. Jason Watson, in uniform, delivered remarks at a news conference where he said Trump and Vice President JD Vance should be removed from office, then remained on the House steps after the member of Congress who had accompanied him left the area.
Capitol Police arrested Watson and charged him with crowding, obstructing, and incommoding after he refused lawful orders to stop the illegal demonstration. The agency said it is generally against the law for the public to demonstrate on the House steps unless accompanied by a member of Congress.
Watson’s criticism of the administration centered on its actions in Iran and Venezuela. “These violations resulted in the deaths of 13 service members and injuries of hundreds more,” he said, referring to U.S. military deaths tied to the Iran war. He also called the administration’s immigration policies unconstitutional and held a sign reading “Impeach. Convict. Remove.” Watson acknowledged the personal risk he was taking, saying: “What matters far more than who I am is what I have to say and the price I’m willing to pay to say it,” according to NBC News.
The arrest raised questions about military conduct rules. Service members are subject to stricter laws than civilians when it comes to political activities. Article 88 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice prohibits commissioned officers from using “contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State,” according to Reuters. All service members, not just Air Force personnel, are also prohibited from participating in political activities while in uniform.
An Air Force spokesperson stated that “service members must comply with all laws, regulations and policies governing conduct and the wear of the uniform,” and that all Department of the Air Force personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism both on and off duty. The Air Force announced it would investigate Watson, with the office of Air Force Secretary Troy Meink saying in a statement that the investigation “will proceed unimpeded,” according to Reuters.
Watson was being held in custody at an Air Force base following his arrest. Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, said she expects significant charges to be filed and that Watson anticipated this outcome before the protest. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who had been present at the event, praised Watson’s actions, saying on X: “I was there to witness a major in the United States military bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice.”
Sources
- NBC News — Watson’s arrest, charges, military legal restrictions, Air Force statement, and his quoted remarks at the protest
- Reuters — Air Force investigation announcement, Article 88 of the UCMJ, and Watson’s quote about the price of speaking out
- Military Times — Confirmation of arrest date and Capitol Police statement about the restricted area
- CNN — Arrest details and Capitol Police statement on charges
