Air Force Major Arrested After Calling for Trump’s Impeachment
An active-duty U.S. Air Force major was arrested on the steps of the U.S. Capitol after publicly calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump during a demonstration in Washington.
Maj. Jason Watson, who attended the event in military uniform, was taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday after addressing a news conference organised by the Removal Coalition, a group campaigning for Trump’s impeachment.
The event was also attended by former Texas Congressman Al Green, who repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against the president while serving in Congress.
During his remarks, Watson praised Green for pushing impeachment efforts and urged lawmakers to follow suit.
“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 said.
“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.”
Watson added that he is not a Democrat and said he does not necessarily share Green’s political views.
According to U.S. Capitol Police, demonstrations on the House Steps are generally prohibited unless participants are accompanying a member of Congress.
Authorities said Watson had been escorted onto the steps by a lawmaker, but after the member left the area, officers ordered him to stop the demonstration.
Police said Watson refused repeated lawful orders and was arrested on charges of Crowding, Obstructing and Incommoding. Officials noted that demonstrations are permitted in other designated areas of the Capitol grounds.
The incident has also raised questions because Watson is an active-duty military officer. Under military regulations, service members are prohibited from participating in political activities while in uniform and are subject to stricter rules governing public conduct than civilians.
In a statement, an Air Force spokesperson said service members are expected to comply with all laws, regulations and policies governing their conduct and the wearing of the uniform, adding that Air Force personnel are required to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism both on and off duty.
Watson also criticised the administration’s actions in Iran and Venezuela, arguing they violated Congress’ constitutional authority under the War Powers Clause.
“These violations resulted in the deaths of 13 service members and injuries of hundreds more. For this, the president and vice president must be impeached, convicted and removed,” he said.
He further accused the administration of pursuing unconstitutional immigration policies.
Neither the Removal Coalition nor Watson immediately responded to requests for comment following the arrest.
