Air Force Major arrested at Capitol after speech demanding Trump’s removal By Lai Gidado
Air Force Major arrested at Capitol after speech demanding Trump’s removal
By Lai Gidado
A United States Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the US Capitol after publicly calling for the impeachment and removal of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a news conference.
The officer, identified as Major Jason Watson, was arrested on Wednesday after addressing a gathering organised by the grassroots activist group, Removal Coalition.
During the event, Watson identified himself as an active-duty service member and appeared in military uniform.
Democratic Representative Al Green was also present at the event.
According to the US Capitol Police, demonstrations are not permitted on the steps of the House unless participants are accompanied by a member of Congress.
Police said Watson had initially been escorted to the Capitol steps by a member of Congress, who later left the area. Officers then ordered him to end what they described as an unauthorised demonstration or face arrest.
When he allegedly refused to comply, he was arrested on a charge of crowding, obstructing and incommoding.
Authorities noted that there are designated areas within the Capitol grounds where demonstrations are permitted.
Court officials later indicated that Watson had been released and that no criminal case was expected to be filed against him.
The Office of the District of Columbia Attorney General, which would make charging decisions, did not immediately comment on the matter.
The US Air Force also did not immediately confirm Watson’s active-duty status.
Reacting to the incident, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said all Airmen and Guardians are expected to comply with laws and regulations governing personal conduct, political participation and the wearing of military uniforms.
He added that a thorough investigation would proceed and that commanders would determine the appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with military law and due process.
During his speech, Watson criticised the Trump administration’s military actions in Venezuela and Iran, as well as its immigration enforcement policies, arguing that they violated several constitutional provisions.
He declared that both President Trump and Vice President Vance should be impeached, convicted and removed from office.
Public political dissent by active-duty members of the US military is uncommon because service personnel are bound by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which prohibits contemptuous remarks against the president, vice president, Congress and other senior government officials.
Military regulations also bar service members from wearing their uniforms while participating in political demonstrations.
Jessica Denson, founder of the Removal Coalition, said Watson contacted the group before the event and was fully aware of the possible consequences of his actions.
According to her, organisers carefully considered how to support Watson’s decision to speak publicly despite the potential risks involved.
Following the arrest, Representative Green shared a video on social media praising Watson’s actions, describing the Air Force major as someone who had taken a stand for the impeachment of the president before being taken into custody.
